The Pearl Mussel Project was a pilot agri-environment programme that sought to improve the quality of watercourses to benefit the endangered freshwater pearl mussel. It was locally adapted, results-based and focuses on the top eight freshwater pearl mussel catchments in Ireland.
Farmers were rewarded for their environmental services whilst having the freedom and flexibility to farm. This will in turn improved the outcomes and long-term sustainability of agri-environment schemes for biodiversity, and for rural communities. It was hoped that this approach would form the basis for future schemes in these areas.
Peatland, grassland, and woodland habitats were used as result indicators. The higher the quality of these habitats, the higher the payment farmers received. The quality of watercourses on the farm also influenced the final payment. This approach had the effect of creating a market for biodiversity, and provided an opportunity and incentive for farmers to manage their farm habitats to produce higher quality biodiversity.
The Programme, which has a budget of €10million, was run by the Pearl Mussel Project Team, based in counties Kerry and Mayo. Support was provided to farmers by their advisors, who were trained in the Programme delivery. The Project Team provided support to farmers and advisors.
The programme ran until December 2023.
Examples of other results based programmes include; the Hen Harrier Project, Burren Programme, and Caomhnú Árann (follow on from Aran LIFE).
Funding the project
The Pearl Mussel Project was an EIP (European Innovation Partnership) Locally Led Scheme. The Project was funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine as part of Ireland's Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.
