• Building a regional network of crayfish researchers and stakeholders across the Asia-Pacific region

• Promoting regional communication, collaboration, and scientific exchange

• Supporting the participation and development of students and early-career researchers

• Strengthening cooperation among researchers, conservation practitioners, resource managers, and aquaculture specialists

• Maintaining strong connections with the global astacological community

The IAA Asia-Pacific Regional Chapter (IAA-APRC) originated from discussions among IAA members from Asia and Oceania during TCS & IAA Asian Regional Meeting 2025, held in Sapporo, Japan. A formal petition supported members from six countries was subsequently submitted to the IAA.

The establishment of the Chapter was officially approved during IAA25 in New Orleans, USA, in June 2026. As the first official regional chapter of the IAA, the IAA APRC promotes scientific exchange, regional collaboration, education, and the conservation and sustainable management of freshwater crayfishes throughout the Asia-Pacific region.