Marron facts for kids
Marron are special types of crayfish that live in freshwater. They are found mainly in Western Australia. These interesting creatures are known for being quite large and tasty!
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Marron: Australia's Big Crayfish
Marron are freshwater crayfish, a bit like small lobsters. They are very popular in Australia, especially for eating. There are actually two very similar kinds of marron. For a long time, people thought they were just one type. But now we know they are two different species.
What are Marron?
One type of marron is called Cherax tenuimanus. This species is in big trouble because it is critically endangered. This means there are very few of them left in the wild, and they are at high risk of disappearing forever. The other type is C. cainii. This species is stronger and is actually taking over the places where Cherax tenuimanus used to live. It's like a competition for food and space, and C. cainii is winning.
Where Do Marron Live?
Marron naturally live in the rivers and dams of Western Australia. They like clean, fresh water. People have also moved marron to other places. For example, they were introduced to Kangaroo Island in South Australia. Here, they have been farmed. Some marron have also escaped and now live wild in the local waterways. These wild groups are called "feral populations."
Marron Farming and Fishing
Marron are seen as a special food, like a treat. Because of this, people have started farming them. This is called "aquaculture." In 1996, Australian farms produced about 30 tons of marron. This farming helps make sure there are enough marron for people to enjoy.
Fishing for marron in Western Australia is very carefully managed. This is to protect the wild populations. If you want to fish for marron, you need:
- A special permit.
- To fish only during a short, limited season.
- To make sure the marron you catch are a certain size or bigger.
These rules help keep the marron populations healthy for the future.
