Musseling Back Into Wales

The freshwater pearl mussel has been exploited for its very occasional decorative creations since Roman times. That exploitation, along with habitat loss (by altering river flow), pollution and climate change, have resulted in this Freshwater mussel becoming the rarest of aquatic invertebrates. This mussel has a very complex life-cycle. Mature mussels release larvae, that attach themeselves to the gills of salmon or trout. These fish consequently transport the larvae to new riverine locations, where they can be dormant for up to 10 years. Under appropriate conditions, these mussels can become adults, that are up to 14cm long. These molluscs can live for up to 100 years. An area of a 'secret' river in Gwynedd (Wales) has been modified to make it acceptable to the Freshwater mussel. If the modifications are judged effective, thousands of larval mussels will be released in this location. The larvae have been generated in a research location in the Brecon Beacons (https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/apr/07/rare-freshwater-pearl-mussels-to-be-released-at-secret-welsh-site). It would be excellent to get the freshwater pearl mussel back into Welsh rivers. This animal is a very good indicator of riverine health. Its re-introduction should also improve conditions for other freshwater invertebrates as well as populations of salmon and trout. Although the precise location has not been revealed, it's not likely to result in a 'pearl-rush'!