PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
LIFE Bachmuschel will focus on the stabilisation, restoration and reintroduction of thick-shelled river mussel (Unio crassus) populations within 14 Natura 2000 sites in the state of Brandenburg in the north eastern part of Germany.
The thick-shelled river mussel (Unio crassus) is a characteristic species for fast-flowing, nutrient-low rivers with sandy or stony substrate and is therefore an important indicator and keystone species for intact rhithral ecosystems.
It is vulnerable to changes in water chemistry, degradation of natural river valleys and species composition of the ichthyofauna as Unio crassus requires host fish for successful recruitment.
Straightening, obstruction and damming of flowing waters have reduced or degraded suitable habitats and spatially isolated populations.
Additionally, an increasing input of nutrient and sediment loads due to an intensive agricultural land use and inadequate river maintenance have deteriorated the chemical and ecological conditions of rivers.
Due to the large negative anthropogenic impact on rivers and streams since the last century, the numbers of Unio crassus declined dramatically.
The thick-shelled river mussel has been assessed "endangered" on the global IUCN Red list and "critically endangered" on the German Red list.
The conservation status at both, member state and EU level, is unfavourable to bad (U2-) with negative development prospects.
The aim of the project is to conserve, increase or reintroduce thick-shelled river mussel populations in flowing waters of the Elbe, Havel and Spree catchment areas.
In order to achieve this, the project aims to implement three key areas.
1.Improvement and new creation of habitat and living conditions for Unio crassus
2.Minimization of negative impacts that endanger the mussel populations
3.Reintroductions and/or reinforcements of Unio crassus in areas where the specie has become extinct, or still exists but in low and declining numbers The project objectives are based on extensive consultations with official and local stakeholders and the analysis of the initial situation in the project areas. For the conception of the measures, the best practice experiences of previous Unio crassus LIFE projects are used. Two Project partners will support the project with their expertise. The Institute of Inland Fisheries e. V. (IfB) will lead the monitoring of host fish populations and the implementation of stock support and reintroduction activities. For the implementation of these activities population genetic studies are necessary, which are carried out by the second project partner the State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart (SMNS). Moreover the results will contribute to understanding of the northern German Unio crassus population dynamic which will be helpful for other conservation projects and activities in the future. Through the cooperation and training of local authorities, associations and especially the responsible maintenance associations and fishing leaseholders a long-term river management adapted to the needs of the mussels should be implemented during the project and should increase the acceptance of the Insert text (same text as proposal abstract) measures.