They have a hidden way of life in the cold, nutrient-poor running waters of the Bohemian Forest region. With the dark outer layer that covers both mussel shells, they are well camouflaged and difficult to spot at the bottom of the water. As in most of Europe’s waters, there was no natural mussel offspring in the Große Mühl for decades.
Ambitious breeding project
Therefore, the freshwater pearl mussel team at önj Haslach started a breeding project in 2016. Right from the start, the project was supported by the Nature Conservation Department, the Schlägl Abbey Forestry Office and the Passau Landscape Management Association. For a long time, the summer half of 2021 was characterized by cool weather combined with heavy rain. Nevertheless, the highest number of young mussels so far was achieved this year. The young mussels of all earlier vintages also showed good survival and development rates.
Mussel needs support
“Give a pearl mussel sponsorship for Christmas or become a godparent yourself”, invites the önj team. The elaborate breeding project can also be supported by purchasing hand and bath towels with shell motifs, which are woven in the Haslach Textile Center.
If you are interested, an email to: patenschaft@oenj-haslach.at is sufficient
Native pearl secrets
Through the cooperation of the Upper Austria. Landes-Kultur GmbH with önj Haslach had the opportunity last summer to present the ecological and cultural-historical importance of the pearl mussels in the vicinity of Schlägl Abbey at the traveling exhibition “Local pearl secrets”. The interest and approval of the exhibition visitors on this topic were surprisingly high. Cultural, ecological and economic aspects of the pearl mussel in Upper Austria were presented. In addition, an accessible brook landscape with many residents demonstrated that an intact habitat is of the utmost importance for all living beings and must therefore be protected.
Source: Nachrichten
