Freshwater Mussels Threatened in UK

Freshwater Mussels Threatened in UK

ONE of the North East’s rarest creatures is under serious threat according to a conservation group.

Natural England says numbers of the fresh water pearl mussel are declining at an alarming rate.

Experts say one of the reasons the first Roman invasion of Britain took place around 55BC was because they thought the rivers were full of pearls.




Common Mussels Freshly Harvested in Sacks, North Norfolk, England, UK

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According to comments recorded at the time, Julius Caesar was particularly fond of pearls and the British fresh water pearl mussel was a compelling reason in persuading the Romans to come to the region.

When the Romans were stationed at Hadrian’s Wall the freshwater pearl mussel was widespread in the UK, but recent research has revealed that most former populations in the North East to be virtually extinct. Today, the region’s remaining population of fresh water pearl mussel, Margaritifera margaritifera, including one of the largest and most significant colonies in the UK, is under serious threat, says Natural England.


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