Now the spotlight is on two of our most fascinating – and threatened – underwater inhabitants: Freshwater pearl mussel and Thick shelled river mussel. Listen to the podcast as the experts talk about the unknown lives of these species, their dependence on fish, and how restoration is giving them a chance to come back.
Freshwater pearl mussel and Thick shelled river mussel are two of the priority species under Improve Aquatic LIFE. Both mussel species are important for Swedish rivers and environments, but have been severely affected by human activities.
Filtering and improving water
Thanks to research, we are learning more about mussels and restoration efforts and improvements to mussel habitats are helping them re-establish themselves. Mussels are sensitive to pollution and act as indicators of water health.
The life of large freshwater mussels is exciting and fascinating. For example, did you know that a Freshwater pearl mussel can live to be over 200 years old and that it spreads using salmon and sea trout as host fish? And when freshwater mussels filter water, they act as nature’s own purification plant.
Listen to the podcast and learn more about the mysterious life of the Freshwater pearl mussel.
Photo: Nicka Hellenberg
A Freshwater pearl mussel can live to be over 200 years old
Experts share and reveal
The Improve Aquatic LIFE podcast follows one of Europe’s most ambitious nature conservation projects. It features experts, scientists and entrepreneurs talking about their work to restore healthy ecosystems in rivers, lakes, wetlands and coastal waters. Expect new research findings and exciting facts about animal species, plants and ecosystems.
The first episode was about the exciting life of sea trout. Episode two dives into the mysterious freshwater mussels Freshwater pearl mussel and Thick shelled river mussel.
In the podcast episode we meet Niklas Wengström, PhD in biology and researcher and teacher Martin Österling – two real experts on large mussels. The podcast is led by Nicka Hellenberg, Swedish Anglers Association’s large fish registrar.
Listen to the latest episode here, or wherever podcasts are available: