Landowners urged to protect mussels' habitat
Landowners have been urged to take care when working in or around the River Tay or risk damaging the fragile habitat of the rare freshwater pearl mussel.
- By Mark Mackay
- Published in the Courier : 01.09.10
- Published online : 01.09.10 @ 06.27pm
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has joined forces with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Tayside Police to warn that failing to do so can lead to prosecution, as the mussels are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Senior environmental protection officer for SEPA Calum McGregor said, "The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2005, also know as CAR, require an authorisation in order to carry out certain river engineering works, such as sediment removal, bank protection works or new bridges or river crossings.
"It is an offence to carry out, or permit another person to carry out, these activities without an 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 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 landowner of land manager."
SEPA officers investigate all instances of pollution or unauthorised activities and where they become aware of potential harm to freshwater pearl mussels they will report it to the police and SNH.
Wildlife and environmental crime officer for Tayside Police Alan Stewart 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."
Photo used under a Creative Commons licence courtesy of Flickr user tristanf.
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