written by CEO Laura Owen Sanderson

Under Threat: UK Freshwater Species Facing Extinction

Welcome to our new youtube series Endangered Wildlife focused on species facing extinction within our lifetime. As human activities continue to impact the natural world, the survival of many species is at risk. In the United Kingdom, freshwater ecosystems are particularly vulnerable, with several species facing the threat of extinction. These species, which play crucial roles in maintaining the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems, are struggling to survive due to various human-induced factors. In this blog post, we will explore some of the UK freshwater species that are facing extinction based on scientific evidence and facts.

1. Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)

   The iconic Atlantic salmon, known for its impressive migratory journey from rivers to the open ocean and back, is facing serious threats in the UK. Pollution, habitat loss, overfishing, and climate change are among the factors contributing to the decline of this once-abundant species. Pollution from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and urban development can degrade water quality and degrade salmon habitats, making it harder for them to spawn and survive. Habitat loss caused by damming, channelization, and other human activities disrupts the natural flow and connectivity of rivers, which are critical for salmon migration and reproduction.

2. European Eel (Anguilla anguilla)

   The European eel, a species with a fascinating life cycle that spans across the Atlantic Ocean, is also facing severe threats in the UK. Overfishing, habitat loss, pollution, and barriers to migration, such as weirs and dams, have all contributed to the decline of this species. The eel population in the UK has declined by over 90% in the past few decades, leading to its inclusion on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

3. Freshwater Pearl Mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera)

   The freshwater pearl mussel, an ancient and ecologically important species, is also at risk of extinction in the UK. Pollution, habitat loss, and overharvesting for their pearls have led to the decline of this species. Freshwater pearl mussels play a crucial role in filtering water and improving water quality, as well as providing habitat for other species. Their decline is an indicator of the overall health of freshwater ecosystems.

4. White-Clawed Crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes)

   The white-clawed crayfish, the UK's only native species of crayfish, is also facing extinction. Competition and predation from non-native crayfish species, habitat loss, and water pollution are among the factors contributing to its decline. White-clawed crayfish are an important indicator species for freshwater habitats and are considered a keystone species in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems.

5. Water Vole (Arvicola amphibius)

   The water vole, a charismatic and iconic mammal often associated with rivers and wetlands, is also under threat in the UK. Habitat loss, pollution, and predation from non-native species, such as mink, have contributed to the decline of water vole populations. Water voles are important ecosystem engineers, creating habitats that benefit other species and help maintain healthy freshwater ecosystems.

   The decline of these and other freshwater species in the UK has serious ecological implications. As these species play vital roles in maintaining the balance of freshwater ecosystems, their loss could have ripple effects on other species and ecosystem functions. Protecting and conserving freshwater species is not only essential for their survival but also for the health and resilience of freshwater ecosystems as a whole.

   Efforts are being made to protect and conserve these threatened freshwater species at North Wales Rivers Trust. We are working with NRW and local communities to restore degraded habitats, reduce pollution, control invasive species, and raise awareness about the importance of freshwater conservation. However we need the water board to improve their infrastructure urgently, manage CSO release to have less impact, monitor freshwater pipe leaks and act immediately, farmers to work with us to help improve nutrient loss, people in the community to take more responsibility with what they flush down the toilet and the government regulators NRW to come down hard on big polluters and hold them to account.