Current conservation strategies for European crayfish

A round table discussion involving 25 researchers from 11 European countries was organized during the congress “European Crayfish: food, flagships and ecosystem services” (held in Poitiers, France, 26–29th October 2010) to consider current activities dealing with management of indigenous crayfish species (ICS) with special regards to their culture, restocking and conservation strategy. In the following opinion paper, we attempt to summarize best practice of current conservation strategy as well as advantages and disadvantages of applied tools and approaches for listed species or species complexes. The development of conceptual models for the protection of ICS in Europe seems to be necessary; however, currently recommended approaches of conservation strategy of ICS differ according to countries and species. The different approaches to conservation of Astacus astacus and species in the genus Austropotamobius, such as genetic diversity, captive breeding, origin and characteristics of stocking material and establishment, as well as long-term objectives of sanctuary or “ark” sites, were highlighted during the round table discussion.