Freshwater mussels including the freshwater pearl mussel are among the world's most threatened animals. Their welfare and conservation depend entirely on pristine river conditions.
Freshwater pearl mussel welfare is an evolving area given uncertainty about bivalve sentience, but the species' extraordinary longevity - individuals can live over 100 years - and their sensitivity to environmental conditions make their conservation a welfare-relevant concern under the precautionary principle. Population collapse from pollution and habitat degradation causes mortality on a massive scale. Recovery requires long-term catchment restoration that improves water quality and restores fish host populations. Supporting freshwater pearl mussel recovery programmes is both a conservation priority and a precautionary welfare action for one of the world's most threatened animals.