Fan mussel  (Atrina fragilis)

The main cause of the decline of this species is thought to be the use of trawls and dredges in fishing, both of which disturb the seabed and damage fan mussels, often removing them from the sediment. Further threats include gravel and sand extraction (3).

Atrina fragilis is listed as a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) and is fully protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act. The lack of information on the biology of this species hinders efforts to conserve it. However, recent work has shown that it may be possible to restore populations where favourable habitat remains. It has been demonstrated that live specimens are able to survive being moved and 're-planted' into the sediment (4). As the species is attached to the sediment, it is also possible that protected areas could be established where good populations survive (4). A dedicated survey of this species is needed to determine its UK distribution more accurately (4).