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The UK is a major stronghold for the freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera. This species is considered globally Endangered by the IUCN and is protected under UK and NI legislation.

The Northern Ireland Species Action Plan for this species requires that existing populations be maintained and increased and that recolonisation of previously occupied rivers be encouraged. Captive breeding (aquaculture) of mussels addresses these three objectives by maintaining local stocks and reducing the vulnerability of isolated populations, by increasing local numbers and by providing the mussels and the techniques for recolonisation of vacated rivers by reintroductions. 

Ballinderry Fish Hatchery and Quercus currently have a contract with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) to culture freshwater pearl mussels ex-situ and reintroduce resultant progeny into the wild and semi-wild (Wellbrook Mill Race). 

This MSc project complements the existing project going some way in delivering the following objectives:

1. Demonstrate the efficacy of gravel addition to the Wellbrook Mill Race in increasing the suitability of the site for settlement of juvenile mussels.
    
2. Estimate mean juvenile mussel density and abundance in the Mill Race and evaluate the annual introduction of glochidial-infected trout as a means of cultivating Margartifiera in a semi-wild situation.
    
3. Estimate maximum juvenile mussel density and abundance in the glochidia settlement vivarium and evaluate the annual introduction of glochidial-infected trout as a means of cultivating Margartifiera under captive conditions