OG project report on the design and implementation of a results based approach to protect aquatic species.

"The EIP Pearl Mussel Project (PMP) final report highlights the successful design and implementation of a results-based approach tailored to aquatic species. Key adaptations focused on hydrology and connectivity, introducing a catchment-wide, whole-farm approach and a payment model incentivising environmental improvements across entire landholdings. The project proved feasible at a regional scale, with technology helping manage extensive data. Participant retention and interest were high, with 77% preferring results-based over measures-based schemes in 2023. Annual scoring demonstrated the effectiveness of the approach in improving environmental conditions. The whole-farm strategy motivated early action on water quality pressures, and participant feedback indicated increased environmental awareness. However, more outreach and time are needed to fully educate participants on the results-based concept. Support from the project team on understanding scores and impacts could improve ownership of the process. There was significant value in the data collected as a baseline of habitat condition and land use in the catchments, facilitating the accurate mapping of those areas impacted by invasive species, drainage, or other land use pressures. Farmers' flexibility in selecting the supporting actions for their farms was valued, though the high number of unclaimed actions may be due to part-time farming. Training local groups to implement actions, especially for tasks like invasive species control, could address this. The habitat and watercourse improvements at the farm level have significant potential to benefit freshwater pearl mussel conservation. The approaches developed should be continued in future agri-environmental schemes and expanded to similar landscapes, offering broader ecological benefits for water, biodiversity, and climate."