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The Freshwater Pearl Mussel and its habitats in Sweden
-Project description
Project title:
Freshwater pearl mussel and its habitats in Sweden – a EU LIFE project
Identification number: LIFE04NAT/SE/000231
Identification number: LIFE04NAT/SE/000231
Aim of the project
The aim of the project is to develop and test a method to improve habitats for the freshwater pearl mussel.
Why
The freshwater pearl mussel has shown a sharp decline in numbers in the latter half of the 20th century and its future survival is endangered. It is therefore red-listed (category: vulnerable). The reasons for the decline include acidification, pollution, poor regulation of water flow, and forestry.
The conservation of aquatic species is not particularly developed in Sweden (or anywhere in the EU). That is why The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has initiated this project. There are several reasons as to why just the freshwater pearl mussel was chosen. (1) It is a fascinating species, (2) there is a lot of expertise about the species, (3) it is found in Europe and Sweden is one of its core zones, (4) it is an indicator of a well-functioning ecosystem, and (5) it is listed in the EU’s Habitat Directive.
The conservation of aquatic species is not particularly developed in Sweden (or anywhere in the EU). That is why The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has initiated this project. There are several reasons as to why just the freshwater pearl mussel was chosen. (1) It is a fascinating species, (2) there is a lot of expertise about the species, (3) it is found in Europe and Sweden is one of its core zones, (4) it is an indicator of a well-functioning ecosystem, and (5) it is listed in the EU’s Habitat Directive.
Project goals
- To improve the situation for the freshwater pearl mussel in 21 rivers and streams by developing and testing various measures.
- To develop a handbook on the management of Natura 2000 sites where freshwater pearl mussels can be found.
- To inform landowners and other affected parties on the need to take the mussel into consideration when using nearby land or water.
The Life-project works with these 21 objects. 1. Kvarnbäcken-Lärkesån 2. Gränshytteforsarna 3. Lillsjöbäcken 4. Håltjärnsbäcken 5. Silverån 6. Sällevadsån 7. Pauliströmsån 8. Nötån 9. Bratteforsån 10. Lärjån 11. Kolarebäcken 12. Sollumsån 13. Stommebäcken 14. Gullsjöälven 15. Älgån-Mörtebäcken 16. Slorudsälven 17. Dalsälven 18. Öjenäsbäcken 19. Torgilserudsälven 20. Billan 21. Rattån
Seven partners
The project has a budget of approximately 10 million Swedish crowns (SEK), half of which is funded by EU LIFE. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency is co-financing the project with 1.6 million SEK. The remainder of the cost is covered by the various partners and WWF. WWF initiated the project and is responsible for its administration. The seven partners are the County Administrative Boards in the counties of Västmanland, Örebro, Västra Götaland and Kalmar, The National Forestry Board, the City of Göteborg and Karlstad University.
Implementation of practical measures
Different restoration measures in rivers and streams will be carried out to improve habitats. This will be achieved by placing new ”mussel bottoms” (new river bottom material where small mussels can grow up), eliminating migration obstacles for host fish, filling ditches, repairing dams, and replacing stones that have been removed to allow logs to be floated downstream. In one watercourse where the freshwater peal mussel has disappeared completely, it will be reintroduced.
In areas where acidification is a threat, catchment liming has been implemented and continues to run with financial support from the state as per a specific program.
In areas where acidification is a threat, catchment liming has been implemented and continues to run with financial support from the state as per a specific program.
Information
An important portion of the project is the spreading of knowledge amongst landowners and the general public. This will be achieved by:
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Advice and information in the form of meetings with landowners and other stakeholders.
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Information materials in the form of folders and brochures will be produced and used in advice/information to landowners and other stakeholders.
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Signs in the field will be set up as information for the general public.
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Experiences from the project will be summarized in a handbook for the management of the freshwater pearl mussel populations in the EU.
Project period
The project started November 1, 2004 and will end on November 1, 2009.
Other
The freshwater pearl mussel is one of few invertebrates that has, in a positive sense, interested people. It is therefore easier to interest and engage landowners, water owners, and the general public in the mussel’s conservation. This project will increase the attractiveness of the affected Natura 2000 sites amongst landowners and people interested in nature. The majority of the sites are in rural areas and the project will improve possibilities of using these sites for activities such as ecotourism. The project will also increase landowners’ and the general public’s knowledge of Natura 2000, the biological value of rivers and streams, and what considerations should be taken in forestry and agriculture.
The affected rivers and streams will become demonstration sites for continued conservation work. The project will also result in developing work on aquatic conservation – something that has been neglected in many EU countries.
The affected rivers and streams will become demonstration sites for continued conservation work. The project will also result in developing work on aquatic conservation – something that has been neglected in many EU countries.
photo: Lennart Henrikson
Financing
The cost of the project is 10 million SEK. The EU´s LIFE Nature fund supports the project with 50% of all costs. The other 50% is jointly financed by The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, project partners and WWF.
