The decline of migratory salmonid stocks: a new threat to pearl mussels in Scotland
The general decline of the endangered freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera (L.) throughout its holarctic range is well documented. Scotland is considered to be a stronghold of margaritifera, containing approximately half of the world's known remaining viable populations. However,...
Main Authors: | , |
---|---|
Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
Language: | English |
Published: |
2001
|
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/1834/22233 |
Summary: | The general decline of the endangered freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera (L.) throughout its holarctic range is well documented. Scotland is considered to be a stronghold of margaritifera, containing approximately half of the world's known remaining viable populations. However, even here the majority of populations have declined and many have disappeared completely. This article provides an overview of the freshwater pearl mussel life-cycle and the life-cycle of salmonids which are the host fish during the freshwater mussels short parasitic larval phase. The authors highlight the potential implications of the decline of salmonids for freshwater populations in Scotland. |
---|