Crawfish Harvesting

The low-intensity production technology used in farming crawfish requires a harvest method unlike those used to harvest fish. A passive system is used, employing baited traps beginning as early as November and continuing through the following April-June. If fall and winter production of juveniles is low, or where crawfish are grown in northern portions of the state, initiation of harvest seldom begins before March and is often extended into late July.

Crawfish recruitment is continual over much of the seven to ten month growing season. Regular, frequent harvests are necessary, in contrast to the infrequent batch harvest with seines common with fish culture operations. Harvesting crawfish with seines or trawls is typically not feasible because of dense vegetation. Crawfish may be harvested with traps from wellmanaged ponds 40 to 90 days per year. In Louisiana, two-thirds of the crop is generally harvested from March through June, when densities of marketable crawfish are highest and crawfish are most active. Trapping is labour intensive, and over half of all production expenses are associated with harvest. Bait and labour are typically the major harvesting costs. Efficient harvesting is essential for crawfish farming profitability.

Factors Influencing Catch and Harvest Size

Crawfish catch from production ponds can vary two- or three-fold from day to day (Figure 1) and is influenced by many factors. Water temperature and density of marketable crawfish are the primary factors that govern seasonal changes in crawfish catch. However, water quality, type and quantity of vegetative forage, weather, lunar phase, as well as crawfish reproduction, growth and molting patterns all play significant roles in the variation observed in daily catch. A summary of the major factors affecting crawfish catch is outlined in Table 1. Size at harvest is largely influenced by environmental conditions – much more so than genetic factors. Crowding reduces growth and usually leads to stunting. Crawfish are aggressive and territorial. Larger crawfish intimidate and out-compete smaller individuals, thereby suppressing growth. To ensure growth of smaller size classes and achieve high yields, crawfish should be harvested soon after attaining acceptable marketable size. Harvesting removes larger individuals from the population, reducing aggression and leaving space and food resources for undersized animals.

The minimum acceptable size for crawfish for consumption varies with season, abundance and price; however, consumer preference is typically for 23 individuals (“count”) per pound and larger (3 1/2 inches and longer). Large crawfish, 10- to 15-count per pound, usually command premium prices.

Traps

During the early history of crawfish farming, many styles and sizes of traps were used by crawfish farmers, and all caught crawfish with varying degrees of efficiency. Presently, the “pyramid trap,” with three entrance funnels has become the industry standard (Figure 2). For years, most traps were made from 3/4-inch mesh, plastic-coated hexagonal-shaped (hex) poultry wire (19 or 20 gauge). These mesh-sizes typically retained crawfish of minimum marketable size, about three inches and longer (35 count per pound). Although hex wire traps dominated the industry prior to 2003, today most traps are made from 3/4-inch or 7/8-inch welded square mesh wire. Traps made of square mesh wire are more durable. Traps made from square mesh wire also retain smaller crawfish than comparable size hex-mesh wire. Research by the LSU AgCenter has shown that 3/4-inch square wire will catch on average about one-third more crawfish than 3/4-inch hex wire traps with an overnight set. The catch with 7/8-inch square mesh traps is roughly equivalent to that of 3/4-inch hex mesh traps.

Pyramid traps are constructed from wire formed into a three-sided, three-dimensional form shaped like a pyramid. Optional cylindrical vertical extensions, usually 6 inches long, are often added to increase the height of the trap for use in deeper water (see Figure 8.2). A 6-inch diameter plastic pipe (or extruded collar) is placed at the top of the trap to function as a handle and prevent crawfish escape through the open top. Traps made from 24-inch wide by 44-inch long to 24-inch wide by 54-inch long wire are the most prevalent sizes. Final overall dimensions of the traps are approximately 17 inches wide at the base and, with a 6-inch extension, about 26 inches tall.

The inside diameter of entrance funnels is usually 1 3/4 to 2 inches. Since wind and wave action and avian predators (herons and egrets) that perch on the plastic collars can cause traps to topple, metal supporting rods (5/16-inch diameter) are often added to minimize toppling. Crawfish traps do not have bait protection containers (bait wells) as is often found in crab traps because catch is usually substantially reduced with their use.

Baits

Bait, which is required to attract crawfish into traps, is the single highest expense in crawfish production and accounts for nearly one-third of production costs. Bait cost depends on the type, amount used per trap, trap density and trapping frequency. Two types of bait commonly used are natural fish baits and formulated baits.

Fish baits are usually sold frozen in 80-pound or 100- pound boxes. Clupeid or “sardine-like” fishes, specifically gizzard shad and Gulf menhaden or “pogy” (Figure 3) are the most widely used natural baits in Louisiana where commercial fisheries exist for both species. Common carp, buffalofish, herring (“slicker”), suckers and catfish are also used. Shad, menhaden and carp are superior to other natural fish baits as attractants. Beef pancreas (“beef melt”) commonly used by recreational trappers, is an effective attractant but too expensive for commercial use. When a shortage of bait occurs in the Louisiana bait fisheries, significant quantities are shipped in from other states.

Formulated crawfish baits, often referred to as “artificial” or “manufactured” baits, were commercialized in the early 1980s and are produced by several feed companies, both within and outside of Louisiana. These cylindrical pellets consist mainly of cereal grains, grain by-products, commercial flavoring agents and a binder. They are generally one-half to 2 inches in diameter and 1 1/2 to 3 inches long and sold in 50-pound bags.

Fish baits are seasonal in supply and price and more expensive than formulated baits. Large farms may have freezers or coolers for storage, but smaller farms require daily deliveries. Labor is needed to cut the fish to puncture the swimbladder so it will sink and to portion it into efficient sizes, which further adds to its cost. Formulated baits do not require refrigeration and are easier to handle. Some companies offer different formulations for use in cool or warm water.

Baiting Strategies

Significant cost reductions can be achieved by employing efficient baiting strategies. The main considerations are selection of bait type relative to season and quantity of bait used per trap. Shad and menhaden are more effective attractants than formulated baits at water temperatures below 70 F (Figure 4), and, in Louisiana, fish baits are used almost exclusively during winter and early spring trapping (November through March). Even though fish baits are more expensive, the average two- to three-fold increase in catch over formulated baits under these conditions compensates for the additional bait cost. When water temperature exceeds 70 F to 75 F and ponds become depleted in forage (corresponding to late March to early April in South Louisiana), formulated baits become equally effective or more effective than fish baits, and they are the most cost-effective attractants. At water temperatures of 65 F to 75 F, a combination of fish and formulated bait added to traps in approximately equal portions can increase catch as much as one-third over fish alone or formulated bait alone; however, the logistical inconvenience of handling two baits at the same time in harvesting boats must be considered when employing this strategy.

During winter, when crawfish feeding activity is minimal and the number of harvestable crawfish is still relatively low, studies suggest that one-fourth pound of bait per trap is sufficient to harvest available crawfish. When waters warm in the spring and the crop of harvestable crawfish nears maximum levels, the quantity of bait should be increased to about onethird pound per trap. Although it is not practical to portion bait into each trap carefully, farmers can gauge and monitor bait use by keeping good records on the total quantity used for the number of traps in a pond or the farming operation. For example, when using one-third pound of bait per trap per day, a 100-pound box of fish bait should be sufficient to bait 300 traps. If only 200 traps are baited, too much bait is being used. A 50-pound bag of formulated bait is sufficient to bait 150 traps. The trapper should pay attention to the amount of bait remaining in the trap after a 24- or 48-hour soak (set time). If significant bait residue remains in the trap the amount can be reduced somewhat. If bait is rapidly consumed, however, consideration can be given to increasing the amount of bait. Fresh bait should be used each trapping day, especially with fish baits. To maximise crawfish movement to freshly baited traps, bait residue should not be disposed of in the pond.

Trapping Strategies

Traps are placed in rows to facilitate harvesting by boat (Figure 5). Distance between traps depends on trap density (Table 2) and a spacing of 40 to 60 feet between individual traps and between rows is most common. Where annual yields of harvestable crawfish are expected to exceed 1,000 pounds per acre, a trap density of 18 to 22 square-mesh pyramid traps per acre, baited and emptied three to four days per week is recommended. It is not uncommon for farmers to use a lower trap density of 10 to 15 per acre if a low-standing crop of crawfish is present or if large areas are to be trapped and labor is limited. Trap density should be increased by two to three traps per acre if hex-mesh pyramid traps are used. If buyers require daily delivery of crawfish, or the price is high and catch justifies the effort, crawfish can be harvested five to six days per week, but the average size of crawfish and catch per trap will usually decrease after a few days. If multiple ponds are present on the farming operation, harvesting activities can be rotated among production ponds.

Normally, traps are emptied 24 or 48 hours after baiting. The 48-hour soak time is generally employed in late fall and winter when crawfish activity is slow and standing crop of harvestable crawfish is low. Typically, it is best to harvest three or four consecutive days per week with several days rest between trapping episodes when crawfish are abundant and active.

Following nonharvest days, unbaited traps need not be lifted from the water and emptied prior to baiting because no additional yield is obtained by removing these crawfish (often referred to as “walk-ins”) prior to baiting. To some extent the average size of crawfish caught is correlated with the time traps remain in the water. The shorter the trap set, the higher the number of small crawfish caught. After the bait has been consumed, or the attractants in the bait have dissipated, some crawfish are able to escape through the entrance funnels, and escape is easier for the smaller animals. After several days of intense trapping, the average size of crawfish decreases and the catch often declines as larger animals are removed and the standing crop of market-size crawfish decreases.

Insufficient harvesting in ponds with dense crops of crawfish hastens forage depletion and increases aggression among animals, resulting in growth suppression and stunting. Ultimately, yields and profitability can be greatly reduced. Conversely, excessive trapping may reduce harvest size by removing crawfish before they have had sufficient time to grow to larger sizes, and harvest efficiency is decreased in this way. Because of the basic inefficiency in current trapping methods and gear, there is no evidence to indicate crawfish can be over-harvested. The more farmers monitor and understand the structure of their populations, the better equipped they can be to make decisions regarding harvest intensity.

Occasionally, harvesting schedules and strategies must be adjusted to accommodate markets. Buyers may prefer to have the product delivered only on certain days, such as Thursday through Sunday, when demand is usually highest. Additionally, market demand for crawfish early in the season may allow for various sizes of crawfish to be sold with little problem, but when supplies are more abundant, trapping strategies may need to be adjusted to maximize crawfish sizes, even at the expense of overall yield. As markets evolve and conditions change, maximizing profits in crawfish production no longer automatically means maximising yields. Planning and good communication with potential buyers early in the season can allow trapping strategies to be developed that respond to market preferences and improve a producer’s competitive position.

Harvesting Machinery

Methods used to empty traps vary within the industry. Producers with ponds less than a few acres in size rarely use motorized boats because of the added expense. Traps may be emptied by harvesters who walk shallow-water ponds while pulling or pushing a small boat. One person can empty about 400 traps per day. Other trappers use small, flat-bottom boats propelled by push-pole or paddle, but this method is no more efficient than walking. In larger ponds, a boat propelled with an engine and drive mechanism adapted for use in shallow water is the most efficient harvesting equipment. One approach used widely in the crawfish industry is the Go-Devil® or similar designs, with 8- to 18- hp air-cooled engines or larger and long shafts with weedless propellers (Figure 6). The boats have flat bottoms, are made from aluminum and are typically 14 to 16 feet long by 4 to 6 feet wide. It is common for these boats to travel down trap lanes with fishermen emptying and re-baiting each trap from one side of the boat without stopping. The first trap is lifted, dumped and re-baited in the time it takes to reach the next trap. The freshly baited trap is set beside the next trap, and the process continues throughout the pond. A boat powered in this manner generally requires two persons, one to empty and re-bait the traps, and a second to steer. As many as 300 traps per hour can be emptied and re-baited.

Many crawfish producers prefer to use a rig designed specifically for harvesting crawfish (Figure 7). This boat uses a 12- to 24-hp air-cooled engine that operates a hydraulic pump and motor to propel a metal wheel attached to the boat. Metal cleats are welded to the wheel, which is mounted either to the front to pull the boat forward, or to the rear to push the boat in shallow water. The wheel’s hydraulic steering can be operated with foot pedals, leaving the driver’s hands free to empty and re-bait traps. A single person can handle about 150 to 200 traps per hour. Up to 300 traps per hour can be emptied and baited with two persons. Rigs with the hydraulic wheels mounted in the rear are preferred whenever boats must cross levees, either within or between ponds. Some hydraulic- propelled boats are also equipped with side-mounted rubber wheels to allow travel down farm roads for short distances.

Boats are equipped with sacking tables to consolidate harvested crawfish. Trap contents are emptied onto the sacking table, which usually has two to six loose mesh “vegetable” sacks temporarily attached. Each sack can hold 35- 45 pounds of crawfish depending on how tightly the harvester packs them before changing sacks. Bait residue and other debris remain on the table to be discarded while crawfish drop into the hanging sacks. Producers are increasingly using in-boat graders to cull submarketable animals while still in the pond (Figure 8). Larger crawfish remain on the grader and are sacked. Smaller crawfish are usually returned to the pond but this may not be advisable in many situations.