Written question asked by Mark Tami (Labour) on Thursday, 27 January 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 31 January 2011. It was answered by Lord Benyon (Conservative) on Thursday, 3 February 2011 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Crayfish

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department is taking to conserve the white-clawed crayfish population through the establishment of native-only refuge sites; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: DEFRA has no direct role in the identification or establishment of refuge sites. However, Natural England and the Environment Agency are supporting white clawed crayfish refuge site creation projects within the regions. They are currently finalising a best practice/guidance document on decision-making in the placement and establishment of Ark sites, and other conservation requirements. Natural England is currently funding a Countdown 2010 project in south-west England involving a captive rearing programme at Bristol Zoo, the identification of Ark sites and reintroduction of white-clawed crayfish to a number of sites across the south-west.Guidance on the creation of Ark sites has been drawn up by Buglife, and Ark site creation projects have been carried out by Buglife and the Peak District National Park, funded by Natural England through DEFRA'a Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund.The Environment Agency is working in partnership with Buglife to create a crayfish website to draw together information on crayfish in the UK. The website will provide guidance for the general public and professionals working in the field.

Secondary information