Preserving natural habitats and wildlife. - Initiative aids in the breeding of mussels along the Dosse waterway.
In the Dosse River (Ostprignitz-Ruppin), thousands of fish are being inoculated with the larvae of river mussels. The Natural Conservation Foundation of Brandenburg, along with the Institute for Inland Fisheries (IfB) in Potsdam-Sacrow, are working together to prevent the extinction of river mussels. These mussels play a significant role in the economy and help keep the waters clean.
To accomplish this goal, pregnant mussels were gathered from the river and their larvae were collected in the lab. IfB caught Elritzen, a fish species with a vital function in this process. They then placed Elritzen in a tank with a ventilator and added the mussel larvae. The larvae were able to attach themselves to the gills of the fish. This experiment took place directly in the river, as stated by Dr. Sven Matern from the IfB.
In the pilot trials, 3,300 inoculated specimens proved to be successful. Michael Zauft, the project leader, is happy with the initial outcomes since the method has already been confirmed to function successfully at other locations, like Sweden. However, this was the first time it was implemented in Brandenburg. To permanently increase the population of mussels in Brandenburg's waterways, the project will continue until 2032, as recently announced by the foundation.
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The Natural Conservation Foundation of Brandenburg is also involved in efforts to protect the wildlife and natural habitats of the OSTPRIGNITZ-RUPPIN region. The area's rivers are rich in biodiversity and play a crucial role in maintaining the region's ecosystem.
Additionally, the project to breed river mussels in the Dosse River is not limited to mussels, as other locally endangered species, such as the Elritzen, are also benefiting from this nature conservation initiative.
Brandenburg's waterways, including those in the OSTPRIGNITZ-RUPPIN region, will continue to receive ongoing support from the Natural Conservation Foundation, aiming to preserve and enhance the region's natural beauty and wildlife for future generations.
