Two species of crayfish are banned from being caught in Ukraine: which are under protection

Crayfish in Ukraine are not only interesting representatives of the aquatic world but also an important part of the ecosystem. In our water bodies, three species of crayfish can be found - narrow-clawed, broad-clawed, and thick-clawed. Of course, the most common is the narrow-clawed crayfish, which is found in rivers and lakes, while the other two species are rare guests, protected by the state.

The narrow-clawed crayfish is less demanding of habitat conditions, which is why it can be encountered more often. It can adapt to various environments where both still and flowing water prevail. Moreover, this crayfish is an object of industrial catch in Ukraine.

«The broad-clawed crayfish, on the contrary, requires exclusively clean freshwater bodies and is extremely sensitive to pollution. It chooses steep banks with clay or sandy soil, where it digs deep burrows and has impressive massive claws. The thick-clawed crayfish is characteristic of brackish waters of the Black and Azov seas and estuaries. Due to the decline in population, both species of crayfish have been included in the Red Book of Ukraine,» the agency explained.

Recent events related to fish protection and crayfish catching indicate a worsening problem of illegal fishing. Poachers caught in Kharkiv region face punishment for harming nature, while a fisherman from Vinnytsia caught an unusual catch in the form of a giant catfish. Fish and crayfish are not only objects of consumption but also components of biodiversity that require careful attention and protection.