The current distribution and status of the freshwater pearl musselMargaritifera margaritifera L. 1758 in north-west Ireland

Habitat degradation and the decline of the threatened musselMargaritifera margaritifera: influence of turbidity and sedimentation on the mussel and its host

“…In our study, there was large variation in mussel density within streams, as previously reported for other M. margaritifera populations (Beasley & Roberts 1996; Hastie, Boon & Young 2000), and other unionoid species (Strayer et al. 2004), and this may have implications for recruitment regulation.…”

“…In our study, there was large variation in mussel density within streams, as previously reported for other M. margaritifera populations (Beasley & Roberts 1996;, and other unionoid species (Strayer et al 2004), and this may have implications for recruitment regulation. High mussel density areas have been suggested to be key areas that determine the growth and genetic structure of unionoid populations (Strayer et al 2004).…”

Ecology of southern European pearl mussels (Margaritifera margaritifera): first record of two new populations on the rivers Terva and Beça (Portugal)

“…This high primary production results in a large mass of vegetation that may lower the oxygen levels in the sediment impairing colonization by freshwater pearl mussels (Degerman et al ., ). According to Beasley and Roberts () nutrient enrichment resulting from agriculture and sewage disposal represents a serious threat to pearl mussels. In addition, Costello et al .…”

“…This high primary production results in a large mass of vegetation that may lower the oxygen levels in the sediment impairing colonization by freshwater pearl mussels (Degerman et al, 2009). According to Beasley and Roberts (1996) nutrient enrichment resulting from agriculture and sewage disposal represents a serious threat to pearl mussels. In addition, Costello et al (1998) found direct evidence of fouling due to cattle wastes and application of agricultural fertilizer, regarding these sources as major threats to M. margaritifera in the River Nore (Ireland).…”

The north‐west of the Iberian Peninsula is crucial for conservation of Margaritifera margaritifera (L.) in Europe

“…Most populations of M. margaritifera are known to be decreasing in number or have become extinct in Europe (Bauer, 1986(Bauer, , 1988Ziuganov et al, 1994;Beasley and Roberts, 1996;Beasley et al, 1998;Cosgrove et al, 2000;Araujo and Ramos, 2001;Young et al, 2001a;Bespalaya et al, 2007;Moorkens et al, 2007;Geist, 2010). Populations of M. margaritifera have been This survey confirmed the presence of M. margaritifera for all previous records for Galicia (Macho, 1878;Azpeitia, 1933;Rolán and Otero-Schmitt, 1996;San Miguel, 1999; Araujo and Ramos, 2001;Grande et al, 2001;Machordom et al, 2003;Ondina et al, 2003;Fernández de la Cigoña, 2004;San Miguel et al, 2004;Bouza et al, 2007;Araujo, 2008;Outeiro et al, 2008;), except for that presented by Seoane (1866) for the River Sionlla, in which no living individuals or shell remains were found.…”