Successful eradication of signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) using a non-specific biocide in a small isolated water body in Scotland

Abstract

Monitoring of native species affected by the biocide suggests that both invertebrates and amphibians quickly recolonised the quarry pond. Eradication of crayfish using biocide is only feasible in water bodies where the entire population of crayfish can be exposed to a lethal dose and the impact on non-target species can be accepted. The technique is not appropriate for large, connected water bodies, although it may be possible to treat short stretches of canals where biocide exposure can be controlled and isolated populations of crayfish can be effectively treated.