Province, Partners Taking Action To Fight Against Invasive Mussels

The Province, BC Hydro and conservation organizations are increasing efforts to protect local waterways and keep invasive mussels out of B.C.

“I welcome the support from BC Hydro and our conservation partners as we continue the crucial work of keeping our waterways free of invasive mussels,” said Nathan Cullen, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.

“The Province has made fighting invasive mussels a priority and we will keep taking action alongside our partners and communities.”

The Province’s Invasive Mussel Defence Program works on early-detection lake monitoring, watercraft inspection stations and public outreach.

BC Hydro has signed on to a five-year commitment with annual funding of $900,000 beginning this year.

The BC Wildlife Federation, Pacific Salmon Foundation and Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation are also providing a collective contribution of $150,000.

Inspection stations are open from April until October to prevent zebra and quagga mussels from hitching a ride on boats or other watercraft and entering B.C. waterways.

Invasive zebra and quagga mussels pose significant economic and environmental risks because of their ability to damage essential water infrastructure and outcompete B.C.’s native species and ecosystems.

The government says If they were to be introduced into B.C., the estimated cost of annual removal and management would range from $64 million to $129 million per year.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.