The Freshwater Pearl Mussel is a locally led, targeted, innovative, results-based scheme which is funded through EIP-Agri. The project is an opportunity to recognise farmers delivering environmental benefits and it will deliver an additional opportunity for farmers to earn an income from their land. It aims to provide long term benefits for biodiversity and river ecosystems, while helping to supporting a vibrant local rural economy. This research is conducted by GMIT (ARD group) in partnership with the Pearl Mussel Project Ltd with funding from the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine and GMIT’s Connacht Ulster Alliance fellowship programme (2018-2023)