Restoration of habitats of Freshwater Pearl Mussel

Project facts

Project promoter:
Environmental Board
Project Number:
EE02-0009
Target groups
Civil servants/Public administration staff
Status:
Completed
Initial project cost:
€309,195
Final project cost:
€227,117
From EEA Grants:
€ 174,922
The project is carried out in:
Estonia

More information

Description

The project is based upon the action plan prepared for the protection of Freshwater Pearl Mussel (FPM) for the period of 2014-2018 and tackles most urgent practical restoration works foreseen with the action plan. The target of the project is to preserve the FPM population in the Pudisoo river, it is achieved with restoration of habitats of trout and salmon, reducing sediment inflow from the catchment, minimizing the beaver population (all priority I actions). To achieve that it is necessary to involve the local community and exhange experiences among experts. FPM is a species with long lifespan, so the project does not set an aim to increase the population or achieve successful breeding within the project frame. The aimed result is minimized population of Beavers, improved water quality and improved habitats for host species. Project beneficiary is Estonian Environmental Board and the project partners are Estonian Forest Management Centre and Norwegian Institute of Nature Research. NINA contributes the project its expertise in management of Freshwater Pearl Mussel in Norway.

Summary of project results

Historically widespread freshwater pearl mussel (FPM) is today in Estonia present in only one (Pärlijõgi) river. This species is assessed as one of the rarest and most endangered animal species in Estonia. Without proper and active protection measures extinction from Estonia is only a matter of time. The intended result was to improve habitats for FPM host species by minimizing beaver population of beavers and improving water quality. As a Project result population of beavers is minimized (approximately 10 beavers are living in river Pärlijõgi), water and habitat quality is improved (FPM is breeding, host fish is infected with FPM larvae over 15 km river, including the area where mussels are known to be present). Project’s target outcomes were achieved: 1) the target was to restore at least 15 km of Pärlijõgi riverine habitat (baseline 0) i.e. 1 habitat restoration; as project outcome 15 km riverine habitat (including 12 km were FPM is spread) was restored – beaver dams and other flow obstacles removed, host fish migration ways opened, fine sediment inflow reduced; 2) the target was to Ensure preservation of FPM population in Lahemaa National Park and to stop negative changes in FPM riverine habitat (baseline 100 beavers living in Pärlijõgi river; target 10 beavers); as Project outcome beaver population was minimized through beaver hunting and negative impact from beaver activities was reduced – in 2016 some 10 beavers are living in Pärlijõgi river; 3) the target was to raise local community awareness about FPM protection methods (why needed and how carried out) and to involve 90 people indirectly and 30 people directly (baseline 30 landowners aware that FPM is living in Pärlijõgi river); target was achieved through co-operation with landowners (meetings and Project activities included) and public awareness raising events (volunteers participating in work-camps, workshops for Estonian and foreign experts about beaver hunting and inventory methods of FPM, Project opening and closing seminars).

Summary of bilateral results

Through donor partnership with tne Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) Environmental Board specialists learned new information about the freshwater pearl mussel and its natural conservation methods. NINA’s contribution was to consult the practical restoration activities within the project and provide the necessary knowledge to replicate best practice proved to be efficient in Norway. NINA’s expert helped the Environmental Board with specific monitoring (trout juveniles monitoring with FPM larvae counting on fish gills, inventory methods workshop planning and method introduction). During a study trip to Norway NINA’s experts introduced their practices in FPM habitat restoration, possible dangers and thanks to this Estonian activities could be carried out risk free for FPM and its habitat. Specialist knowledge and practical skills level was improved. When in the beginning of the project the Environmental Board did not have any FPM specialists, then after project completion the Environmental Board has at least 2 specialists and 1 expert, who are able to plan and manage FPM conservation work and artificial breeding in the future. NINA received new data about small FPM populations and practical experience about how to work with small and old FPM populations. On the other hand, NINA got to know Estonian natural conservation methods and could use good Estonian practice also in Norway (managing of protected areas and species, co-operation with local landowners etc.). Through partnership all necessary monitoring was carried out and new information collected about the FPM situation in Pärlijõgi and project activities effects on its habitat. Thanks to NINA’s expert FPM breeding was proved to take place in Pärlijõgi river and a plan for future monitoring of breeding and juveniles was created.