BC waters are safe from invasive mussels for another year.
According to the provincial government, the BC Conservation Officer Service used inspectors, field sergeants, and dogs who can detect mussels at six boat-inspection stations and two roving inspection crews at key crossings along the Alberta and U.S. borders.
Statistics recorded by the BC Invasive Mussel Defence Program included:
- 27,100 inspections;
- 319 watercraft identified as high risk;
- 170 decontaminations performed;
- 84 watercraft given quarantine periods to meet the required drying time;
- six watercraft confirmed to have adult invasive mussels.
In addition, starting in June, more than 880 water samples were collected from 91 bodies of water in the province. All tested negative for the presence of invasive mussels. There have been no confirmed detections of live zebra, quagga or golden mussels in any BC waterways.
“Prevention efforts are key because we know that the prevention efforts come at a fraction of the cost of what it would cost if invasive mussels were to be introduced into BC,” said Martina Beck, the unit head for freshwater applied science and programs.
“Conservatively, it’s been estimated that if these mussels were to be introduced into BC, it could cost businesses, utilities, tourism, and sectors between $64 million to $129 million annually on control costs.”
Beck said the prevention efforts are part of a larger collective effort across Western Canada and the U.S. to keep invasive mussels from moving further west. Of the six boats found to have invasive mussels on them this year in BC, five were from Ontario and one was from North Dakota.
“We work really closely with our neighboring jurisdictions and receive notifications when there are either high risk or mussel-fouled boats coming to BC and take the necessary steps to address them,” Beck said.
She added they encourage boaters to practice the mantra of “clean, drain, dry” to prevent the spread of invasive mussels and other invasive aquatic species. It’s now a requirement in BC to have the drain plug removed when you’re transporting your boat overland. Failing to pull the plug comes with a Wildlife Act fine of $345.
It’s also mandatory to stop at inspection states along your route. That applies to all watercraft, from motorboats to kayaks. Neglecting to do so risks a fine of $690.
Since being introduced in North America in the 1980s, invasive mussels have spread to four provinces and 24 states. According to the province, they can cause major damage, including disrupting food webs, harming habitats, and clogging intakes in power plants and water treatment facilities.
