The Cairngorms National Park is embarking on a groundbreaking mission to protect and restore one of the most critically endangered species in Scotland’s waterways.
Freshwater pearl mussels, remarkable filter-feeding creatures capable of cleansing up to 50 litres of water daily, are facing a dramatic population decline that threatens the delicate ecosystem of rivers like the Spey and Dee.
The Park Authority has developed a comprehensive strategy involving multiple partners to safeguard these extraordinary molluscs, which play a crucial role in maintaining river health and supporting diverse aquatic life.
Innovative approaches are being deployed across different river catchments, with the Spey Fisheries Board collaborating on plans to relocate threatened mussel populations to safer habitats in upper river tributaries.
On the River Dee, cutting-edge techniques including environmental DNA monitoring are being utilised to identify remaining mussel populations and assess potential recovery strategies.
A devastating report commissioned by NatureScot revealed a shocking 90% reduction in freshwater pearl mussel numbers since 2002, primarily attributed to the catastrophic impact of Storm Frank in 2015, which decimated riverbed habitats.
The James Hutton Institute has proposed conservation breeding as a potential long-term solution, recognising that these slow-growing creatures take five to ten years to reach maturity.
Dr Peter Cosgrove, a Cairngorms National Park Authority board member, emphasised the critical nature of the recovery strategy, highlighting the importance of protecting existing populations while simultaneously planning for future restoration.
Dee Catchment Partnership Manager Dr Susan Cooksley described the freshwater pearl mussel as a sensitive indicator of river ecosystem health, stressing that successful conservation depends on comprehensive river restoration efforts.
This ambitious project represents a beacon of hope for a species on the brink, demonstrating the Cairngorms National Park’s commitment to preserving Scotland’s unique and fragile natural heritage.
The recovery strategy will involve extensive collaboration between ecological experts, land managers, and conservation organisations, creating a holistic approach to species protection and habitat restoration.
