The population of rare crayfish is declining in Ukraine: which species are at risk.

According to inkorr.com: Crayfish in Ukraine are not only interesting creatures of the aquatic environment but also important components of the ecosystem. In our waters, three species of crayfish can be found: narrow-clawed, wide-clawed, and thick-clawed. The most common is the narrow-clawed crayfish, which lives in rivers and lakes, while the other two species are rare and are protected by the state.

Adaptation of the narrow-clawed crayfish

The narrow-clawed crayfish is less demanding of environmental conditions, so it can be seen more often. It is capable of adapting to different types of water - both still and flowing. This species is also becoming the object of industrial catch in Ukraine.

Sensitivity of the wide-clawed and thick-clawed crayfish

“The wide-clawed crayfish, on the contrary, requires exclusively clean freshwater bodies and is extremely sensitive to pollution. It prefers steep banks with clay or sandy soil, where it digs deep burrows and has impressive massive claws. The thick-clawed crayfish is characteristic of the 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.

Problems of fish protection

Recent events related to fish protection and crayfish catching indicate a worsening problem of illegal fishing. Poachers caught in the Kharkiv region will face punishment for the damage caused to nature. Meanwhile, a fisherman from Vinnytsia caught an unusual giant catfish. Fish and crayfish are not only sources of food but also important elements of biodiversity that need protection.

The situation with illegal catching of crayfish and other aquatic living beings continues to be alarming. It is crucial to emphasize the need to comply with fishing rules and support the ecosystem to ensure the preservation of these species for future generations. Protecting water resources is a shared responsibility of each of us.