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The Living World

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Living World: Freshwater Pearl Mussels

05/03/2017

Freshwater Pearl Mussels

BBC Radio 4 - Living World, Freshwater Pearl Mussels

Lionel Kelleway looks for freshwater pearl mussels. Recorded in 2006.

Chris Packham relives programmes from the Living World archives. In this programme recorded in 2006, Lionel Kelleway is looking for freshwater pearl mussels.

Chris Packham relives programmes from The Living World archives.

Freshwater pearl mussels have one of the heaviest shells of any mollusc. They're also extremely long lived, and the subject of this programme first broadcast in 2006. But as mollusc biologist Mary Seddon from the University of Cardiff explains to Lionel Kelleway their survival in British rivers is precarious due to the combined effects of river pollution, increased river sediment, and a decline in salmonid fish populations. They are joined on this Northern River by two other molluscan biologists Ian Killeen and Evelyn Moorkens.

The freshwater pearl mussel, despite its longevity, faces an uncertain future. But the good news is that work by many freshwater biologists across the country is trying to restore rivers to 'ecological health' and thus improve the fortunes of these once highly prized molluscs.

Producer Andrew Dawes.

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