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Premier Christy Clark has announced a $2 million boost for the province’s invasive mussel defence program following a successful pilot program.
The province will be outfitted with eight permanent mussel inspection stations to be installed at major entry points along B.C.’s borders.
“B.C. is leading the fight against invasive species," said Premier Clark. "To date, no zebra or quagga mussels have ever been detected in B.C.'s waterways - and we're going to keep it that way. Eight more inspection stations are yet another tool towards ensuring we remain mussel-free."
Quagga and zebra mussels pose a serious threat to B.C.'s aquatic ecosystems, salmon populations, hydro power stations and other infrastructure facilities. They can clog pipes, cause ecological and economic damage, displace native aquatic plants and wildlife, degrade the environment and affect drinking water quality.
Five inspection stations will be set up along the B.C.-Alberta border and three along the B.C. -U.S. border. The stations will be operational Apr. 1 for the upcoming boating season. In total, 32 conservation officers will work the stations which will operate 10 hours a day, seven days a week from April through October. This is an increase of 20 crew members from last year's pilot and an additional six mobile decontamination units are being added to the fleet of equipment.
The eight inspection stations will have the capability to become mobile if the need arises, travelling to locations throughout B.C. where watercrafts are being detained, waiting for decontamination. There will also be increased signage at permanent inspection station locations, expanded monitoring, and increased opportunities for “Clean, Drain, Dry” education for boaters.
The Invasive Mussel Defence pilot program was launched in 2015. During May-October 2015, over 4,300 boats were inspected, of which 70 were identified as coming from an invasive mussel infested province or state. Out of these 70 watercrafts, 34 required decontamination and 15 were confirmed to be transporting invasive mussels or their larvae. Six were issued a 30-day quarantine order due to risk of live mussels.
The public is encouraged to report mussel-affected boats/equipment to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service's Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline at 1 877 952-7277.
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