Yorkshire Water shows biodiversity mussel

Yorkshire Water is working with the Freshwater Biological Association and the North York Moors National Park Authority to release endangered freshwater pearl mussels (pictured) to the river Esk, to enhance biodiversity and improve the overall health of the river.

Mussels in the river Esk are over 80 years old and are the last remaining individuals in Yorkshire. Conservationists have collected the adult mussels and temporarily relocated them to a specialist facility to encourage them to release their young. The new born mussels will spend their first few years at the facility before being released back to the river when they are around seven years old.

Yorkshire Water explained the freshwater pearl mussel is important to a functioning ecosystem as their presence significantly enhances biodiversity and they provide critical ecosystem services such as filtering suspended particles to improve water clarity.