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Lamprey, smelt, crayfish and Chinese mitten crab

How we regulate trapping.

Regulation

Anyone wishing to catch smelt, lamprey, crayfish and Chinese mitten crab must obtain a fishing authorisation from the Environment Agency.

We have published guidance on trapping crayfish to help fishers avoid damaging native crayfish and other protected fauna and stay within the law:

For more information on fishing authorisations and to obtain an application pack, please contact our Fisheries Authorisations Team by phone on 01480 483 968 or by email at fmapplications@environment-agency.gov.uk