Narrative
UK Species Action Plans (SAP) and selection of Special Areas of Conservation under the EC Habitats Directive for declining populations of the critically endangered freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera were informed by QUB research. As an element of the Northern Ireland SAP, in 2009 about 350 mussels produced in a unique captive-breeding facility at a fish farm were released into a river where mussels face extinction. Up to 99% of released mussels survived and a further 240 additional juveniles were released in 2013. This approach complements policy for habitat restoration through catchment management, was a first in Europe and is now being emulated for endangered populations in Austria.| Impact status | Ongoing |
|---|---|
| Category of impact | Environmental Impact, Economic Impact |
Related content
-
Research output
-
Towards a strategy for the conservation of the freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera in County Donegal, Ireland
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
-
Applying species distribution modelling to identify areas of high conservation value for endangered species: A case study using Margaritifera margaritifera (L.)
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
-
The importance of population genetic information in formulating ex-situ conservation strategies for the freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera L. in Northern Ireland
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
-
Modelling distributional trends to inform conservation strategies for endangered species
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
-
Does the freshwater pearl mussel, Margaritifera margaritifera L., face extinction in Northern Ireland?
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
-
Culturing freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera: a breakthrough in the conservation of an endangered species.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review