Towards a sustainable human use of freshwater crayfish (Crustacea, Decapoda, Astacidea)

To face the severe loss in biodiversity recorded in freshwater crayfish (Crustacea, Decapoda, Astacidea), there is an increasing awareness that the CBD's concept of the sustainable use of natural resources should be applied also to this large assemblage of species. This review paper will synthesize the several uses we make or have made of crayfish with the purpose of pinpointing where sustainability is desirable and feasible. Uses are here classified as direct (i.e. consumption and production) and indirect. The latter uses refer to the recreational, cultural, ethical, aesthetic, scientific and education values of crayfish. An additional indirect use regards the environmental key role this taxon plays. Several examples, mostly related to Europe, will be provided to illustrate the importance of crayfish to human societies, culture and history. The potential of assigning a non-use value to them will be finally discussed.