Top Noble Crayfish Fishing Countries

The noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) is a freshwater crustacean native to Europe, recognized for its robust claws and reddish-brown coloration. Once abundant across European rivers, lakes, and streams, its populations have declined due to habitat loss, pollution, and the spread of crayfish plague from introduced North American species. Despite these challenges, countries such as Sweden, Finland, Estonia, and Latvia remain top harvesters of the noble crayfish, where it is both commercially fished and farmed, particularly for local consumption and traditional feasts like Sweden's kräftskiva (crayfish party). These countries have established management and conservation programs to sustain wild populations while supporting a niche but culturally significant crayfish fishing industry.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.