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APEM Group - Case Study
Mowi Scotland commissioned APEM Group to survey for freshwater pearl mussels (FWPM) in a river that enters the sea near one of their finfish aquaculture sites. Initially commissioned to establish presence/absence of FWPM, further surveys have since been requested to survey population density and recruitment. This work assists Mowi in fulfilling their environmental obligations within Environmental Management Plans (EMPs), monitors potential impacts of current activities on this rare and protected species and informs any future aquaculture management decision making.
Why are Freshwater pearl mussels significant?
Freshwater pearl mussels (Margaritifera margaritifera) are an extremely rare species of mollusc that can be found in only a few areas in the UK. Their populations in Scottish lochs and rivers are in decline, partly due to pollution, illegal harvesting and habitat damage. Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, they can live to over 120 years old. As freshwater pearl mussels are filter feeders, they purify and improve water quality to the benefit of other wildlife.
Freshwater pearl mussels rely on other species for their continued survival. Expansion of their population depends on the presence of wild salmon and trout, as FWPM larvae (glochidia) spend approximately the first 9 months of their life as a harmless passenger on the gills of salmonid fish, before finding a spot on the river bed to live out their remaining decades.
Aquaculture and protected species surveys
Under an EMP, part of licensing or permitting conditions, Mowi and other aquaculture companies have an obligation to monitor whether protected species will be impacted by their developments.
The surveys undertaken by APEM produce an overarching assessment of the distribution of freshwater pearl mussels and support this spatial information with detail on abundance where possible. This then informs management or mitigation measures if freshwater pearl mussels are detected. Clients are able to consider the impacts of any further changes to their facilities or production levels and to identify positive and negative factors that may be contributing to the present condition of any FWPM populations.
Finding treasure below the surface
Searches were made with a glass-bottomed bathyscope in clear, low-flow conditions flow with no loose debris or trailing weed to obscure the view of the riverbed. Surveys were undertaken to strict methodology by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), as directed by NatureScot. APEM and Mowi have withheld location details to deter illegal harvesting.
Surveys can also tell if the freshwater pearl mussels are recruiting (if their populations are expanding or declining) depending on the amount and size range of juvenile FWPMs found within a given location and the habitat. Surveys on water quality can be commissioned and salmonid numbers also recorded, to give an overall check on the quality and sustainability of watercourses.
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Freshwater pearl mussel populations are an iconic part of riverine ecology, most notably in Scotland, where they play an integral role in maintaining the notorious purity of many highland streams. Our team of licenced surveyors have long and demonstrable experience in delivery of highly detailed freshwater pearl mussel surveys across the breadth of the UK and Ireland, aiding the aquaculture and construction industries to ensure their developments are considerate of their welfare. APEM Group are proud to play their part in securing the long-term future of this protected species.
Matthew Heeps, APEM Group Fisheries Technical Specialist
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The ability to determine where our impacts may occur within the environment has always been a key priority for Mowi, to ensure that we are good tenants of the environment such that our interactions are minimised, and we meet all our regulatory thresholds and conservation interests. This includes developing professional and collaborative working relationships with partners such as APEM who have specialist fisheries knowledge and expertise in monitoring freshwater pearl mussel populations. The surveys carried out by APEM have provided detailed data on the condition and status of a small but important FWPM population in the vicinity of one of our sites, informing adaptive management measures that deliver protective measures for the population.
Stephen MacIntyre, Head of Environment, Mowi Scotland
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Although a specialist and niche area, APEM Group now have several members of staff trained in freshwater pearl mussel surveys and monitoring and are able to resource and deliver surveys for this species across the UK and Ireland from regionally-based licenced surveyors. As well as freshwater pearl mussel detection, APEM Group support clients with licensed surveys and population estimates, with recommendations to boost their population, recruit more host salmonids and create better habitats.
Read more about this service here or contact Matthew Heeps, Fisheries Technical Specialist, LinkedIn.
About APEM Group:
APEM Group are a leading global environment consultancy providing expert advice to clients in a wide range of industries including water, renewables, infrastructure, marine and ports, transport, construction, and development. The company provides digital aerial wildlife surveys, specialist marine, freshwater, terrestrial ecology, and geospatial services to organisations across the world.
About Mowi:
Mowi ASA is one of the largest seafood companies in the world, and the world’s largest producer of Atlantic salmon. They have been ranked the most sustainable protein producer by the Coller FAIRR Protein Producer Index for the fifth year in a row.
Mowi in Scotland employ 1,500 staff, with 48 farms that produce over 68,000 tonnes of salmon annually. Their salmon products are primarily sold within the United Kingdom and are the UK’s most-valued food export, enjoyed by customers around the world.
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