Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment of a Plan for Forestry and Freshwater Pearl Mussel in Ireland

Tender description

The Freshwater Pearl Mussel (FPM) is a bivalve mollusc (shellfish) that lives in clean, fast-flowing stream and rivers. It is Ireland’s oldest living animal, with individuals reaching up to 120 years of age. The current population of FPM is estimated at 10.99 million adults, and its distribution in more than 160 rivers in Ireland is considered widespread. However, FPM is in severe decline nationally, with the above population estimate representing a fall of 8% since 2007. A Plan for managing forestry in Freshwater Pearl Mussel areas is required to help protect the species and increase its population over time. The overall purpose of the Strategic Environmental Assessment, Screening for Appropriate Assessment, and Appropriate Assessment is to improve the quality of the design of Catchment Forest Management Plans (CFMPs) for eight Priority Freshwater Pearl Mussel catchments (listed below), and of a Forest Service Forestry & Freshwater Pearl Mussel Requirements document in relation to remaining FPM catchments. Together, both components represent the Plan for Forestry and Freshwater Pearl Mussel in Ireland. The eight Priority FPM Catchments are as follows: the Bundorragha (Co. Mayo), Caragh (Co. Kerry), Kerry Blackwater (Co. Kerry), Owenriff (Co. Galway), Dawros (Co. Galway), Glaskeelan (Co. Donegal), Ownagappul (Co. Cork) and the Currane (Co. Kerry). This contract relates to the provision of two separate reports on separate but inter-linked and parallel processes: 1. A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the Catchment Forest Management Plans for the Priority 8 Freshwater Pearl Mussel Catchments, and of the Forestry & Freshwater Pearl Mussel Requirements, applicable to FPM sensitive cacthments nationally. 2. Screening for Appropriate Assessment, and Appropriate Assessment (AA) of the Catchment Forest Management Plans for the Priority 8 Freshwater Pearl Mussel Catchments, and of the Forestry & Freshwater Pearl Mussel Requirements, applicable to FPM sensi