Wildlife Licensing - Freshwater Pearl mussel 
( Margaritifera margaritifera)
The freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) is a large, long-lived, bivalve mollusc of rivers and streams. The freshwater pearl mussel is one of Scotland's most vulnerable and endangered species and it is listed in the Species Action Framework for conservation action. It has become increasingly rare due to factors such as river pollution and illegal pearl fishing.
Freshwater pearl mussels and their resting places are fully protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
When is a licence needed?
Licences relating to fresh water pearl mussels and freshwater pearls are issued by Scottish Ministers and Scottish Natural Heritage for certain specific purposes defined in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
It is unlawful to sell or offer for sale freshwater pearls taken after March 27, 1991 when freshwater pearl mussels were added to Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). A licence for sale may be granted for freshwater pearls obtained prior to 1991, provided the original provenance of the pearls prior to 1991 can be confirmed.
Please note there is no application form for the sale of freshwater pearls. Please write to the Scottish Government's Species Management Team with your name and address, description of the item to be offered for sale, confirmation of the provenance of the item which may include an original receipt, a jewellers valuation with full description of the item of jewellery, insurance valuation details with full description on insurance certificate.
Letters of application should be sent to:
Scottish Government
Species Management Team
Landscape and Habitats Division
1-A North
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh
EH66QQ
Tel: 0131 244 6549
Fax: 0131 244 4071
Email specieslicensing@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Frequently asked questions covering the collection and sale of pearl mussels
Q. Can I lawfully collect pearl mussels in order to look for a pearl which may be inside them? | A. No, collection of pearl mussels is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) by the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004. |
Q. Can I sell, or offer to sell, a freshwater pearl? | A. It is unlawful to sell or offer for sale, freshwater pearls taken after March 27, 1991 when freshwater pearl mussels were added to Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). |
Q. Can I sell my grandmother's brooch containing freshwater pearls which I inherited in 1979? | A. A licence for sale may be granted provided original provenance of the brooch prior to 1991 can be provided. Examples of confirmation of original provenance include an original receipt, a jewellers valuation with full description of the brooch, insurance valuation details with full description on insurance certificate. |
Please contact the Species Management Team if you have queries regarding fresh water pearl mussels, which are not covered on this page.