CONSERVATION ISSUES FOR MARGARITIFERIDAE IN THE BRITISH-ISLES AND WESTERN-EUROPE

The taxonomic status of the European species is reviewed and a program me on the genetic status of populations is proposed. The current statu s of European margaritiferids is summarised and confirms the continuin g range decline of both Margaritifera margaritifera and M. auricularia . Population sizes and recruitment are also shown to be declining and many populations are 'functionally extinct'. Environmental and biotic factors affecting species survival are reviewed and factors affecting glochidia and juveniles are considered to be both highly significant a nd least understood. Legislation, management and species recovery are reviewed and key points are suggested. These stress the total ban of p earl fishing, further research into juvenile biology, and the need for funding to explore the viability of captive breeding.