The MaST (Margaritifera, Salar, Trutta) project on the River Rede, a tributary of the River Tyne, has an innovative way of reintroducing pearl mussels to a waterway.
Ms Swaile said: “The project in the Rede catchment exemplifies innovative species recovery in action.
“By creating wetland habitat and addressing agricultural pollution sources, we’re not just saving critically endangered mussels – we’re building the foundation for thriving salmon and trout populations.”
Larvae mussels attach themselves to the gills of salmon and trout during a crucial stage of their lifecycle.
Conservation projects are also ongoing at the Wansbeck, Coquet, Till Breamish and Tweed rivers.
Other critically important species like the European eel, Atlantic salmon, brown trout, river lamprey and otter are also benefitting from cleaner waters.