April 10th 2023.
It's exciting news that freshwater pearl mussels have been discovered in two of Scotland's lochs! Researchers used remote-operated underwater drones and snorkelling equipment to make the find, which suggests that pearl mussels can now be found in both lochs and rivers. NatureScot's Iain Sime, who led the project, is eager to do further surveys and learn more about this critically-endangered species. He has also said that Scotland's nature agency will extend conservation management advice for freshwater pearl mussels to include lochs and rivers. With pearl mussels being rare in Scotland due to illegal pearl fishing, poor water quality, habitat damage and over exploitation, it's encouraging that NatureScot is leading efforts to conserve them. Read more stories on Scottish Field's wildlife pages and don't miss Andy Dobson's article about wildcats in the May issue of Scottish Field magazine.
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