Slender naiad  (Najas flexilis)

Nutrient-rich run-off from fish farms, agricultural farms and forestry operations cause an increase in nutrient-loving algae and plants, which compete with the slender naiad for space and light, restricting its growth (3).

Conservation of this species is underway. Scottish National Heritage carried out surveys in 1994 and 1995 and the number of known Scottish sites that are home to the slender naiad was increased from 24 to 34. There has also been extensive assessment of known populations with a view to maintaining them through water quality control and by limiting local area farming and forestry operations to reduce run-off. Three Sites of Special Scientific Interest house populations and these have been put forward for Special Area Conservation plans under the EC Habitats Directive. There are plans to assess the condition of sites which used to include the slender naiad and to reintroduce plants if possible. Northwest Water have been directed to investigate better sewage treatment options and the Royal Botanic Gardens at Edinburgh and Kew are responsible for collecting valuable seed to add to the Millennium Seed Bank. Finally, studies of the population dynamics and habitat requirements of the slender naiad will be undertaken so that projects to maintain and restore populations have a higher success rate (3).