In a new feature, we are taken to the secret underwater world of the Freshwater pearl mussel, as biologists move the mussels for an upcoming restoration in a tributary of the River Emån.
The River Emån is one of Sweden’s most species-rich rivers and an important habitat for threatened species such as the Freshwater pearl mussel. Populations have declined sharply due to migration barriers, deteriorating water quality and habitat loss. However, important work to improve the status of the species is ongoing.
Watch the news report from the Silver River as Linnéa Carlzon and Mathias Ibbe move the stream’s Freshwater pearl mussels to the evacuation site upstream.
With binoculars and sharp eyes, biologists methodically and patiently search for Freshwater pearl mussels
Major investment in restoration
Through the Improve Aquatic LIFE project, extensive restoration work is being carried out to strengthen mussel and fish populations. The work includes removing migration barriers, improving hydrology and restoring wetlands.
Several stretches of the River Emån are part of Natura 2000 and protect important habitats for species such as salmon, otter and Freshwater pearl mussel. The aim is to restore ecosystems and secure these unique species for the future.
Biologist Linnéa Carlzon is looking for Freshwater pearl mussels in the Silver River.
Photo: Nicka Hellenberg
Silverån – a sanctuary for Freshwater pearl mussels
In the feature we are taken to Silverån, one of River Emån’s most important tributaries. This is where the endangered Freshwater pearl mussel lives. Linnea Carlzon and her colleague Mathias Ibbe from the County Administrative Board of Östergötland, move Freshwater pearl mussels for an upcoming restoration project.
With binoculars and sharp eyes, the biologists methodically and patiently look for the Freshwater pearl mussels, which hide on the bottom.
With water binoculars and accuracy, the bilogists try to locate the Freshwater pearl mussels.
Photo: Nicka Hellenberg
Freshwater pearl mussel facts
Freshwater pearl mussels live in clean, oxygen-rich rivers with gravel and pebble bottoms and depend on host fish such as salmon and trout for reproduction. The larvae attach to the gills of the fish before developing into small mussels.
Margaritifera margaritifera – Freshwater pearl mussel. The species can live up to 200 years and is one of the priority species within Improve Aquatic LIFE.
Photo: Nicka Hellenberg
The species has disappeared from a third of its former habitats in Sweden and is threatened by factors such as siltation, acidification and migration barriers. It is protected under Swedish law and the European Union Habitats Directive.
The River Emån is an important habitat for threatened species such as the Freshwater pearl mussel. Photo: Nicka Hellenberg