The north Wales mussel population is under threat

Using dating agency-style methods, conservation groups are hoping to revitalise the declining population of the freshwater pearl mussel in north Wales.

The mussels breed successfully in the dense beds of Scotland and Ireland, but are disappearing in their traditional grounds in Gwynedd and Conwy.

The shellfish have become so scattered that they have little chance to breed.

This is a rare species that is under threat around the world, not just here Anne Lewis, Environment Agency

As a result, the youngest mussels are middle-aged, their numbers are dropping and thousands are living solitary lives in empty beds.

The Environment Agency, Countryside Council for Wales and English Nature are planning to relocate isolated individual mussels and encourage them to breed.

Some of the UK's leading mussel experts are meeting in Cheshire on Wednesday to discuss the problem.

Anne Lewis, of the Environment Agency, said: "Conservation bodies have reached a point where some very hard decisions need to be made.

"We can't simply monitor these populations until they become extinct.

"We need to take active measures to prolong their existence.

Conwy mussels are a popular delicacy

"This is a rare species that is under threat around the world, not just here.

"To lose it would be a tragedy," she added.

The freshwater pearl mussel is said to have been a factor in the first Roman invasion of Britain in 55BC by Julius Caesar, who valued the pearls produced by them.

Pearl fishing, although now illegal, has been cited as one factor in reducing the density of populations and causing the present-day breeding problems.

David Fraser, from English Nature, added that reduced water quality could also be a reason for their decline.

The mussels live between 80 and 100 years and can grow up to 15cm in length.