Freshwater bryozoan  (Lophopus crystallinus)

Threats

Water abstraction and eutrophication are thought to have affected this species, along with over-zealous tidying of waterways (3). Habitat loss and increased boat traffic are also likely to have played a part in the decline (4).

Conservation

This bryozoan is a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan; the Species Action Plan aims to maintain all populations of the freshwater bryozoan and assist an increase in the species' range by 2010, perhaps using artificial substrata to aid research and monitoring (3). One of the sites that supports this species is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and therefore receives a degree of protection (4).

The UK Biodiversity Action Plan for this species is available at UK BAP.
There may be further information about this species available via the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.
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