Grossmuscheln - Large freshwater mussels Unionoidea in the border area of Bavaria, Saxonia and the Czech Republic

The project aimed to improve the habitat for the molluscs and the host fish that their parasitic larvae depend upon during the reproductive cycle in the border of Bavaria, Saxony and the Czech Republic. The project achieved the improvement of the habitat conditions for Margaritifera margaritifera and Unio crassus. Some 3.26 ha of land was purchased, eight silt traps were constructed, five drainage pipes were opened and the sediment structure of the ditch foreseen as young mussel habitat was improved. In addition, three fords for cattle were built. The project succeeded in reducing the silt and flocculent ferric hydroxide load in the streams, and managed to improve the habitat conditions for host fishes. Young freshwater pearl mussels were released in five campaigns in the Südliche Regnitz and Zinnbach creeks and on two occasions in the Höllbach and Mähringsbach creeks. Results of the project were disseminated through a series of measures including information events for the local public, guided tours, workshops, leaflets, information boards and a travelling mussel exhibition.