Freshwater Pearl Mussel Project
The Tarka Country Trust is currently contributing third party funding to the Biffa Award funded 'Restoring Freshwater Mussel Rivers in England' project which aims to improve the health of watercourses as well as offering support and advice to communities and landowners on how to reduce river pollution.
The River Torridge has the fourth largest remaining population of the endangered freshwater pearl mussels in England and these are at threat of extinction. This species is not only one of the longest lived animals but their presence is a measure of water quality. Unfortunately, though these mussels were once found across Devon and the UK, they are not thought to have bred successfully since the 1960s due to declining water quality.
The three year project is working closely with farmers and landowners along the Torridge to advice and assist with project to both improve water quality and improve the habitat for freshwater pearl mussels. The project is also trialling some experimental captive breeding techniques.
This Devon Wildlife Trust project is supported at a national level by the Freshwater Biological Association, and supported at a local level by the North Devon Biosphere, Westcountry Rivers Trust and the Environment Agency.
The River Torridge has the fourth largest remaining population of the endangered freshwater pearl mussels in England and these are at threat of extinction. This species is not only one of the longest lived animals but their presence is a measure of water quality. Unfortunately, though these mussels were once found across Devon and the UK, they are not thought to have bred successfully since the 1960s due to declining water quality.
The three year project is working closely with farmers and landowners along the Torridge to advice and assist with project to both improve water quality and improve the habitat for freshwater pearl mussels. The project is also trialling some experimental captive breeding techniques.
This Devon Wildlife Trust project is supported at a national level by the Freshwater Biological Association, and supported at a local level by the North Devon Biosphere, Westcountry Rivers Trust and the Environment Agency.