Invasive crayfish pose a substantial threat to aquatic habitats in the Great Lakes region because of their ability to reduce habitat quality and dramatically alter aquatic food webs. Current efforts to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive crayfish consist largely of reducing the size of existing populations and encouraging people to refrain from releasing crayfish into new bodies of water.

The Invasive Crayfish Collaborative (ICC) focuses on improving collective management and outreach capabilities by bringing industry, science and management partners together in the Great Lakes region. Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant and the Illinois Natural History Survey oversee and facilitate the ICC with funding from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. ICC goals are defined by the needs of its members and have most recently been outlined in the 2025-2029 Strategic Plan. 

For more information, visit InvasiveCrayfish.org