Dessie Smyth Pearl Mussel Project – Phase 2

Fresh water Pearl Mussels were once abundant in the Bann River, so much so that two mussel shells were incorporated in the Coat of Arms of Banbridge. Unfortunately adult pearl mussels stopped breeding in the river 40 years ago and were deemed extinct around 1990. This project will continue the project which has been ongoing for the last number of years. This involves releasing 5000 young trout annually wich carry juvenile mussels (glochidia) on their gills. A few weeks later the juveniles levae their host and bury into the river gravel bed.

This project will allow mussel bearing trout to be relesed a the 4 selected sites choses as best suitalbe habitats.