The remains of more than 100 of the protected shellfish were found on the upper reaches of the River Oykel in Sutherland on 4 July 2019.

Police believe the poaching happened some time over the last two months.

The mussels were forced open in the off chance of finding a pearl. There have been similar incidents on other Highlands rivers in recent years.

Police Scotland wildlife crime officer, Dominic Corcoran, said freshwater pearl mussels played a crucial part in a river’s ecosystem.

He said: “Anyone disturbing, killing or possessing them is committing a criminal offence and incidents like this are extremely disappointing to everyone who works to conserve this protected species.”

Source: BBC

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