rising. In Europe, the marbled crayfish is included since 2016 in the list of Invasive Alien Species of Union concern. This implies that this species cannot be imported, bred, transported, commercialized, or intentionally released into the environment in the whole of the European Union. The Madagascar population has grown rapidly and is estimated to be in the millions, with their geographical distribution having increased 100-fold from 2007 to 2017, causing concern among local authorities. Regulation Marbled crayfish are one of the most widely distributed species of crayfish in the international pet trade and release from aquariums has likely been the main source of unwanted introductions. Concerns about the potential damage from their introduction have prompted several jurisdictions to regulate ownership of marbled crayfish. The European Union instituted "a total ban on the possession, trade, transport, production and release of these species [including the marbled crayfish] in the wild" in 2016. Japan banned most North American crayfish species, including marbled crayfish, in 2020. Marbled crayfish are prohibited in the American states of Idaho, Missouri, Tennessee, Michigan, Maryland, and in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. As food Marbled crayfish are eaten in Madagascar. Human interest in consuming them may contribute to their spread. References External links Marmorkrebs.org Asexual reproduction in animals Cambaridae Forma taxa Taxa described in 2017 Unisexual animals Edible crustaceans