Submitted
The B.C. government has announced new measures to address the increasing threat of invasive zebra mussels and quagga mussels.
The province is adding two new inspection stations, increasing inspection hours, and adding more staff to inspect watercraft as part of its Mussel Defense Program.
The Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) says it applauds these efforts, but the organization has recognized several gaps that need to be addressed in order to keep B.C. invasive mussel free.
The group wants all provincial entrance points to have round the clock watercraft inspection stations and all water bodies to be adequately monitored for the presence of invasive mussels.
“More needs to be done to protect our amazing lakes and rivers from the devastating impacts and permanent biological pollution caused by mussels. These tiny freshwater mollusks pose a serious threat to our regions aquatic ecosystems, native fish populations, hydro power stations and other infrastructure facilities,” says Khaylish Fraser, CKISS Aquatic Invasive Species program co-ordinator
Zebra and quagga mussels have not yet been found in B.C, but they are getting closer with their recent discovery in Montana for the first time. It would only take one boat carrying these invasive mussels to devastate B.C. waterbodies.
Mussels cannot be eradicated once established in a water body and can cause the following impacts:
• Clog water supply systems and hydro power facilities, increasing costs to the consumer.
• Harm drinking water quality by causing toxic algae blooms.
• Crash native fish populations such as sockeye salmon.
• Cover beaches with foul-smelling, razor-sharp shells.
• Displace native aquatic plants and wildlife, reducing biodiversity and ecosystem health.
• Increase the growth of aquatic weeds, interfering with swimming and boating opportunities.
The economic impact in B.C. of invasive mussels to hydro power, agricultural irrigation, municipal water supplies and recreational boating has been estimated to be $43 million per year. This estimate does not include additional impacts on tourism and fisheries.
“Residents who value our water bodies as the heart and soul of our communities and economy should express concerns to the local electoral candidates during this upcoming provincial election,” says Fraser.