A river catchment can be defined as the area of land that drains to a river. Land use within a catchment has a direct influence on the ecological characteristics of the associated river.
Eight river catchments were included in the Pearl Mussel Project. These catchments were selected due to their importance in supporting the largest remaining freshwater pearl mussel populations in Ireland and Western Europe.
A summary of each of the river catchments is presented below.
Blackwater River Catchment, Co. Kerry
Bundorragha River Catchment, Co. Mayo
Caragh River Catchment, Co. Kerry
Currane River Catchment, Co. Kerry
Dawros River Catchment, Co. Galway
Glaskeelan River Cathcment, Co. Donegal