Craynet –achievements in scientific management of European crayfish, the way forward and future challenges.

The European network CRAYNET “European crayfish as keystone species-linking science, management and economics with sustainable environmental quality” emphasises on knowledge-based management strategies. Starting from the topics discussed in Poitiers, 2001 (Monitoring in conservation and management of natives; interaction between natives and aliens; control of aliens; habitat restoration; reintroduction and restocking; legislation; education –Souty-Grosset and Grandjean, 2002), this paper highlights the results from discussions conducted during several CRAYNET meetings which took place during the interim period. Regular meetings (four in three years) and a permanent connection between the core members allows for an opportunity to check the needed lines of research, to prepare recommendations, and to gather information for an atlas on the distribution of crayfish species in Europe.