DRAFT EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES (FRESHWATER PEARL MUSSEL) REGULATIONS 2008
These regulations have been drafted halt further decline in populations of the now very rare and diminishing Freswater Pearl Mussel in Ireland. Freshwater Pearl Mussles are Ireland's longest living animal, with each one living to around 120 years. They used to be widespread in Irish rivers but are now confined to very few catchments, and most populations have not been reporducing fro several decades, making them 'functionally extinct.
An Taisce has been calleng for increased protection of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel, through improved forestry management, through improved implementation of Environmental Impact assessment, and through full and timely implementation of Water Framework Directive and good 'Catchment Management Plans'.
An Taisce's submission to the Draft Regulations can be seen here
The Department of the Environment have drafted sub-cathcment Management plans for cathments containing the FPM, which can be found on the National Parks and Wildlife Service Website. An Taisce's comments to these plans can be found here