Current status
This aquatic lichen grows on submerged rocks in partial shade in fast-flowing intermediate and upland streams. It is rare in the UK and has been declining since 1960, and is now known only from eleven 10 km squares in mid-Wales, northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Its distribution also extends into northern Europe and Russia.
It is listed as vulnerable on both the IUCN/WCMC and GB Red Lists, and is protected under Schedule 8 of the WCA 1981.
Current factors causing loss or decline
Eutrophication of streams leading to the species being replaced by algae.
Increased silt loads in rivers and streams.
Water acidification.
Reduced water levels caused by water abstraction, for example from small-scale hydroelectric schemes.
Current action
Survey work has been carried out in Snowdonia, as a result of impact assessment studies related to proposals for small-scale hydroelectric developments. No sites were found as a result of this survey.
All Scottish sites for this species were surveyed in 1994 as part of SNH`s lower plant conservation project.
Action plan objectives and targets
Maintain all known populations.
If biologically feasible, re-establish populations at five former sites by 2005.
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
Seek to eliminate the risk of water pollution, for example through the provision of advice on farm waste management where this species occurs. (ACTION: MAFF, NRA, RPBs, SOAEFD WOAD)
Seek to include river catchments supporting this species within existing and any new ESA designations. (ACTION: DANI, MAFF, SOAEFD, WOAD)
Site safeguard and management
Consider notifying key sites for this species as SSSIs/ASSIs where this is necessary to secure appropriate management. (ACTION: CCW, DoE(NI))
Ensure river catchment management plans adequately reflect the water quality and quantity requirements for the river jelly lichen. (ACTION: LAs, NRA, RPBs, SEPA)
Ensure careful woodland management in riparian areas compatible with FA’s Forest and Water Guidelines to remove additional problems caused by removal of shade along rivers. (ACTION: FA, FE)
Species management and protection
Following feasibility studies and identification of appropriate sites, seek to restore five populations to unoccupied sites when suitable conditions have been provided. (ACTION: CCW, DoE(NI), NE, JNCC, NRA, RPBs, SNH)
Advisory
Ensure land managers adjacent to extant sites, local planning authorities and Water Management Authorities are aware of the presence, legal status and threats to the species and its community, and the importance of its conservation. (ACTION: CCW, DoE(NI), NE, FA, NRA, RPBs, SNH)
Future Research and Monitoring
Undertake survey of potential sites to establish the distribution of the species. (ACTION: CCW, DoE(NI), NE, SNH)
Encourage research into the ecological requirements of the species to determine the optimum conditions for growth and the feasibility of re-introduction. (ACTION: CCW, DoE(NI), NE, SNH)
Investigate further the effects of eutrophication and acidification of streams on this species and seek to reverse the impacts. (ACTION: NRA, RPBs, SEPA)
Establish a protocol for regular monitoring of this species and the water quality in the vicinity of known sites. (ACTION: CCW, DoE(NI), NE, JNCC, NRA, RPBs, SNH)
Encourage research on the ecology and conservation of this species on an international level and use the information and expertise gained towards its conservation in the UK. (ACTION: CCW, NE, JNCC, SNH)
Pass information gathered during survey and monitoring of this species to JNCC or BRC so that it can be incorporated in national databases. (ACTION: CCW, DoE(NI), NE, SNH)
Provide information annually to the World Conservation Monitoring Centre on the UK status of the species to contribute to maintenance of an up-to-date global Red Data List. (ACTION: JNCC)
Communications and Publicity
Use the river jelly lichen to highlight threats from eutrophication to the ecology of streams. (ACTION: CCW, DoE(NI), NE, JNCC, SNH)
Links with other action plans
None given.
Publication details
Originally published in: Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report - Volume II: Action Plans (December 1995, Tranche 1, Vol 2, p208)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to this species