Riverwatch scheme set to launch

It will provide additional surveillance and protection to the populations of pearl mussels in the burns of the Ardnumurchan peninsula. The populations of mussels are important as they lie in the extreme west of the population range on the mainland.

The Riverwatch initiative is part of the Pearls in Peril project which aims to safeguard freshwater pearl mussels, a critically endangered species threatened by illegal fishing across Scotland.

The scheme relies on using the local community and river users as volunteers to protect pearl mussels by increasing awareness and vigilance.

Freshwater pearl mussels have historically been fished for the pearls they can produce, which are similar to an oyster. However only rarely do they contain pearls. They are protected by law - it is a crime to kill, injure, take or disturb freshwater pearl mussels. And over the past two years there has been evidence of suspected illegal pearl fishing taking place across northern Scotland.

Natalie Young of the Riverwatcher project, said: "The species is now in such decline that from 1970 to 1998 pearl mussels became extinct from an average of two rivers every year in Scotland.

"Currently the West coast of Scotland holds some of the most important populations of mussels in Europe. The Riverwatch scheme will work with local communities, land owners, fishery boards and Police Scotland to implement co-ordinated action to reduce and report illegal activities affecting freshwater pearl mussels."

The Riverwatch launch on Thursday will include a talk and training local volunteers on how to identify and report and suspicious activities.