Agencies raise awareness of dangers to freshwater pearl
mussels
3 September 2010
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has joined
forces with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Tayside Police to
remind land owners, developers and contractors of the need to
ensure they take care when working in or around the River
Tay.
Works in and around rivers that are home to the rare freshwater
pearl mussel, such as the River Tay, can have a devastating effect
on the species if the correct authorisations and working practices
are not in place and adhered to.
Calum McGregor, a Senior environment protection officer for
SEPA, said:
"The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland)
Regulations 2005, also know as CAR, require authorisation in order
to carry out certain river engineering works, such as sediment
removal, bank protection works or new bridges or river
crossings. All of these activities have the potential to harm
freshwater pearl mussels, either as a result of direct damage to
them or their habitat by the construction of new structures, or as
a result of silt pollution being caused during the construction of
the new structures.
"It is an offence to carry out, or permit another person to
carry out, these activities without authorisation. As part of any
application for an authorisation we would normally consult SNH and
take into account any issues they raise about the possible impact
on freshwater pearl mussels. Therefore, landowners and land
managers should ensure that the correct authorisation is in place
before any works are undertaken by them or on their behalf, and
likewise plant hire companies or contractors should ensure that the
correct authorisation is in place before they carry out any works
on behalf of a land owner or land manager."
SEPA officers investigate pollution events or instances of
unauthorised activities, and where they become aware of potential
harm to freshwater pearl mussels they will report it to the Police
and SNH and carry out a joint investigation with them.
Nicki McIntyre, Area officer of SNH, said:
"Freshwater pearl mussels are protected under the Wildlife and
Countryside Act 1981, and any activity which harms them or their
habitat could lead to prosecution and a prison
sentence. Around half of the world's population of pearl
mussels is found in Scottish rivers. So the results of a recent
survey which found that 75% of Scotland's internationally important
pearl mussel sites have been damaged is very
worrying. Freshwater pearl mussels are filter feeders, making
them vulnerable to silt pollution caused either by runoff from
construction sites or from silt being stirred up or disturbed as
part of engineering works in or on the banks of rivers."
Alan Stewart, Wildlife and environmental crime officer for
Tayside Police, said:
"Offences committed against freshwater pearl mussels, because of
their conservation status, are treated as a wildlife policing
priority by all police forces in Scotland. We would ask that
careful consideration be taken before any engineering works be
undertaken that may kill or injure them, or disturb them in their
habitat.'
Ends