Of the approximately 500 known species of crayfish worldwide, only five are indigenous to the freshwater bodies of Europe, and Belarus is home to two: the broad-fingered crayfish and the narrow-fingered crayfish.
Of the approximately 500 known species of crayfish worldwide, only five are indigenous to the freshwater bodies of Europe, and Belarus is home to two: the broad-fingered crayfish and the narrow-fingered crayfish. The broad-fingered crayfish has been included in the Red Book of Belarus since 1981, therefore, catching it is prohibited.
The narrow-fingered crayfish is the subject of commercial and recreational fishing in our country. Unlike its red-listed relative, the narrow-fingered crayfish is less demanding in terms of habitat conditions, utilises the food base better, has higher growth rates, and greater fecundity. Nevertheless, it should be caught in compliance with specific requirements established by the Rules for the capture, harvesting and (or) procurement of wild animals not classified as game or fish species (approved by Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus of 02.06.2006 No. 699).
The closed season for catching narrow-fingered crayfish coincides with the main spawning ban period for fishing. In addition, it is prohibited to catch egg-bearing females and females with larvae throughout the year.
For personal use, citizens are permitted to catch crayfish using crayfish traps (no more than three per person, and of specific dimensions), and they must not be left unattended. Catching crayfish by hand is also permitted, but only during daylight hours. The use of lighting devices and watercraft is prohibited. A fisherman can catch no more than 2 kg of crayfish per day. In addition, a commercial size limit is established: the length of the crayfish must be at least 10.5 cm.