The project “Ecostreams for LIFE” aims to improve the conservation and ecological status of various aquatic habitats and species in six Natura 2000 sites through a holistic river-basin approach. The targeted habitats include natural Fennoscandian rivers and watercourses from lowland to montane levels. Key species to be protected include the freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera), Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), the liverwort Scapania carinthiaca, the noble crayfish (Astacus astacus), and the bullhead (Cottus gobio).
The objective of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) within this project is to detect M. margaritifera populations by applying an environmental DNA (eDNA) approach. In addition, the genetic structure of freshwater pearl mussels used for a breeding program in the study region will be analyzed in order to characterize the population structure within the project area.
Project Lead:
Technische Universität München, Lehrstuhl für Aquatische Systembiologie
Technische Universität München, Arbeitsgruppe Molekulare Zoologie
Project Partners:
- County Administration of Västerbotten
- Billerudkorsnäs AB
- Länsstyrelsen i Jämtlands län
- County Administrative Board of Västernorrland
- Holmen skog AB, Karlstads Universitet
- Ragunda Kommun, Swedish Anglers Association
- Forest management unit Jämtland
- Trafikverket
- Strömsunds Kommun, Sveaskog AB
- Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management
- Åre Kommun
