Abstract
Abstract The spreading of the alien signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) is posing an ongoing threat to native European crayfish species in Fennoscandia, like the native noble crayfish (Astacus astacus). The signal crayfish is commonly a chronic carrier of the crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci), thus, in addition to being more competitive than noble crayfish, it also has a competitive advantage in this disease over the noble crayfish. The challenges rising from the introduction of the alien signal crayfish to Sweden, Finland and finally also Norway, are similar in nature. The licensed and unlicensed spreading of this species also has a similar history in these countries. In this paper we describe some of the patters of the spread of alien signal crayfish and highlight the detrimental nature of an alien crayfish, accompanied by a highly virulent disease, to native Fennoscandian crayfish and also to native Fennoscandian ecosystems. A halt to the further spreading of alien signal crayfish in Fennoscandia is the only means to ensure successful conservation outcomes for the noble crayfish.
Highlights
The Fennoscandian countries share a common dynamic history (Derry 2000) which includes a common cultural crayfish heritage and lively crayfish festivals which result in high values for the native crayfish catch (Ackefors 1998; Fürst and Törngren 2003; Jussila et al 2015a)
This economic value of the native crayfish has added to the nonmonetary recreational benefits enjoyed during the crayfish trapping season, which has led to various anecdotes included in the Fennoscandian folklore (e.g., Ackefors 2005; Jormanainen 2015)
The aim of this paper is to introduce schemes regarding the uncontrolled spreading of the alien signal crayfish (P. leniusculus) as it replaces the declining native noble crayfish stocks
Summary
Relaxed Attitude Towards Spreading of Alien Crayfish Species Affects Protection of Native Crayfish Species: Case Studies and Lessons Learnt from a Fennoscandian Viewpoint
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