See all the latest news about the Pearl Mussel Project. Remember you can also check out the latest news on our Facebook page (links opposite).
New Horizons for Nature - Ireland's National Biodiversity Conference
The PMP attended and made a presentation at the New Horizons for Nature - Ireland's National Biodiversity Conference in Dublin Castle yesterday.
There was a diverse range of presentations throughout the day and an inspirational speech from President Michael D Higgins. He aptly summed up the problems we face with the loss of biodiversity, and the pressures faced by habitats that support many of these endangered species. As he stated ‘’If we were coal miners, we would be up to our knees in dead canaries’’. It is time we take action to address the problem, with all stakeholders working together to tackle this grave threat.
Thanks to Caroline O’Sullivan for doing a great job of chairing the Payments for Ecosystem Services session that the PMP presented.
#pearlmusselproject #musselrivers #EIPagri #ruralnetwork #biodcon19
Training for Pearl Mussel Programme Farm Advisors
The Pearl Mussel Project Team will deliver two bespoke farm advisor courses covering such topics as: freshwater ecology, terrestrial ecology, and the results-based approaches to Agri-environment schemes. These classroom events are Phase 1 of the course (Phase 2 will involve field based training towards the end of May 2019).
These free training courses are a unique business opportunity to be involved in delivering an exciting results-based agri-environment programme by becoming an approved Pearl Mussel Programme advisor. You must be a FAS approved agricultural advisor to attend this training course.
North West Course
When: Thursday 14 March 2019, 9:30 to 17:30.
Where: The Boat Inn, The Square, Fough West, Oughterard
Register for this free course today on Eventbrite at (closing date for registration 8 March):
South West Course
When: Thursday 21 March 2019, 9:30 to 17:30.
Where: The Blackwater Tavern, Coomnakilla North, Killarney
Register for this free course today on Eventbrite at (closing date for registration 15 March):
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/training-for-pearl-mussel-programme-farm-advisors-tickets-56141591010
#pearlmusselproject #musselrivers #EIPagri #RuralNetwork
Great turn out at Owenriff Farmer Information Meeting
Smashing turn and interest shown by 80 farmers and attendees for the first PMP farmer information meeting in the Owenriff catchment in the Boat Inn, Oughterard last night. The PMP are now accepting expressions of interest from eligible farmers who would like to join the programme.
Many thanks to the The Boat Inn for hosting the meeting.
#pearlmusselproject #musselrivers #EIPagri #RuralNetwork
Pearl Mussel Programme - Information Booklet
The Pearl Mussel Project have published an easy to read Pearl Mussel Programme Information Booklet which gives a summary of the agri-environmental results-based farm programme being introduced to save the endangered freshwater pearl mussel in Ireland.
The Information booklet includes sections on:
Freshwater pearl mussel
Results-based approach
Payment streams including results-based and supporting actions payments
Who can apply?
How to apply?
Selection criteria
Programme participation
Frequently Asked Questions
You can download a digital copy of this Information Booklet and other programme documentation from our Publications page or write / phone and request a copy of the Information Booklet from:
The Pearl Mussel Project Ltd.
Bell Height
Kenmare
County Kerry
V93 KD00
Tel: 064 664 0685
#pearlmusselproject #musselrivers #EIPagri #RuralNetwork
Pearl Mussel Project – What do you think about when you hear the term 'Freshwater Pearl Mussel'
At the PMP catchment consultation meetings held in 2018 farmers were asked ‘What do you think about when you hear the term Freshwater Pearl Mussel'? This is how farmers responded at the meetings...
#pearlmusselproject #musselrivers #EIPagri #RuralNetwork
Pearl Mussel Project – World Wetlands Day
Did you know that wetlands play a vital role in sustaining healthy populations of freshwater pearl mussel in Ireland?
Wetland habitats, in particular blanket bog and associated seepage zones, are a common feature of the most important freshwater pearl mussel catchments in the west of Ireland. This is no coincidence as these wetlands are known to play a vital role in providing the ideal habitat conditions that support freshwater pearl mussel.
Wetlands have the effect of regulating river flow thereby helping to maintain optimal flow conditions even in extreme flood and drought events. In addition, wetland areas alongside river channels provide an important food supply to juvenile mussels. These juveniles are particularly vulnerable and this food source helps to ensure their survival to adulthood.
Drained and modified wetlands cease to provide both these functions. This is likely to partly explain the decline in mussel populations throughout much of the country.
Pearl mussel conservation efforts need to extend beyond the river channel and focus on maintaining and restoring wetland habitats at the catchment level. The Pearl Mussel Programme recognises the value of these habitats and will reward farmers to maintain and restore them through a results-based approach.
#WorldWetlandsDay #pearlmusselproject #musselrivers #EIPagri #ruralnetwork
Pearl Mussel Project Farmer Information Meetings
The Pearl Mussel Project EIP have announced details of farmer information meetings to take place in each of the eight project river catchments during February.
The information meetings will provide details on the results-based agri-environmental programme designed in consultation with farmers, scientific and technical advisors, and agricultural professionals. Attendees will be able to obtain Terms & Conditions documentation and expression of interest forms for farmers who wish to apply to take part in the programme. The first participants will be recruited into a five year programme during March 2019. All are welcome to attend.
Owenriff Catchment: Monday 11th Feb - The Boat Inn, Oughterard, Co. Galway at 8pm
Bundorragha Catchment: Tuesday 12th Feb - Glenkeen Farm, Louisburgh, Co. Mayo at 8pm
Glaskeelan Catchment: Wednesday 13th Feb - The Colmcille Heritage Centre, Churchill, Co. Donegal at 8pm
Dawros Catchment: Monday 18th Feb - The FORUM Connemara, Letterfrack, Co. Galway at 8pm
Ownagappul Catchment: Monday 18th of Feb - The Caha Centre, Adrigole, Beara, Co. Cork at 8pm
Kerry Blackwater Catchment: Tuesday 19th of Feb – The Blackwater Tavern, Blackwater, Co. Kerry at 8pm
Caragh Catchment: Monday 25th of Feb – Glencar Community Centre, Glencar, Co. Kerry at 8pm
Currane Catchment: Tuesday 26th of Feb – Dromid Day Centre, Waterville, Co. Kerry at 8pm
#pearlmusselproject #musselrivers #EIPagri #RuralNetwork
Pearl Mussel Project - Kerry Farm Advisor Meetings
The Pearl Mussel Project held its second Farm Advisor meeting in the prestigious Killarney House and Gardens, Co. Kerry today. Advisors are key partners in delivery of our farm programme to be launched next month.
Many thanks to Bríd and Horacio of Killarney House and Gardens for accommodating our south-west farm advisor meeting. The house and gardens are well worth a visit when in Killarney to learn all about the cultural and natural history of the amazing Killarney National Park
#pearlmusselproject #musselrivers #EIPagri #KillarneyNationalPark #KillarneyHouseandGardens
Pearl Mussel Project - Farm Advisor Meeting, Maam Cross
The PMP were delighted with the attendance at our first Farm Advisor meeting in Maam Cross, Co. Galway today. Advisors are key partners in delivery of our farm programme to be launched next month, which will help with the long-term conservation of critical endangered freshwater pearl mussel populations in Ireland.
The role of trained advisors will be to assess farm habitats, advise farmers on supporting actions, and help farmers in preparing annual works plans.
The next Farm Advisor meeting for the South-west is on 24 January 2019: Killarney House, Killarney National Park, Killarney, Co. Kerry from 2-5pm.
#pearlmusselproject #musselrivers #EIPagri
