26th November: Partnership in place to boost chances of Spey’s crisis-hit freshwater pearl mussels

Ambitious plans have been announced for the future of freshwater pearl mussels in the Cairngorms National Park.

One of the area’s most important and endangered species and populations has been facing a steep decline, but now the park authority is working with partners and land managers to develop strategies which will secure a brighter future for it.

As their name suggests, the mussels are found in our freshwater rivers and they play a crucial role in improving the water quality of rivers such as the Spey and the Dee, filtering up to 50 litres of water a day which benefits a range of other species, including salmon, trout and otters.

Working closely with the Spey Fisheries Board and the Spey Catchment Partnership, the authority is developing plans to move threatened populations of pearl mussels from the main stem of the River Spey to safer habitats in the upper tributaries of the river.

Subject to licensing, it is hoped this work could begin as early as spring 2025.