Over $300,000 to Combat Invasive Mussels

A $360,000 funding grant from the Columbia Basin Trust will help to prevent invasive mussels from entering British Columbian waterways.

The funding will allow the province to double the number of mobile decontamination units aimed at stopping zebra and quagga mussels from entering freshwater lakes and rivers.

Mussels on Lake Mead boat prop. (Photo Credit: "Mussel Threat"/Brynne Morrice)

This new partnership also includes support from FortisBC and a number of invasive species councils operating in the Kootenay region, such as the East Kootenay Invasive Plant Council.

Three additional mobile inspection and decontamination crews will be dedicated to stopping and ensuring boats entering B.C. waterways are mussel free. The teams will be based in Cranbrook, Valemount, and Nelson, targeting major entry points from Alberta and the U.S.

In addition, the decontamination units will allow auxiliary conservation officers, who are trained to identify mussel-infested boats, to decontaminate boats and trailers entering the province.

Aquatic invasive species, such as zebra and quagga mussels, pose a significant threat to Canada’s freshwater ecosystems, as well as critical infrastructure such as hydroelectric and drinking water facilities.

“Columbia Basin Trust, Columbia Power Corporation and FortisBC recognize the importance of protecting aquatic infrastructure and environments in B.C. from invasive mussels. Thanks to their generosity, we are doubling the number of mobile decontamination units aimed at ensuring these invasive species never enter our waterways. This is another step forward in our ongoing efforts against invasive mussels,” said Minister of Environment Mary Polak.

“FortisBC operates in an environmentally responsible manner to protect the environment for future generations. Preventing the spread of invasive mussels is an important task facing the province today. These mussels grow at a rapid rate, killing off native aquatic life and posing a threat to our hydroelectric dams. We are committed to working on a solution to stem the mussels’ spread while ensuring the protection of our freshwater ecosystem,” added Jody Drope, vice president, HR and Environment, Health and Safety for FortisBC.

The funding for this initiative was derived in three parts: $275,000 from the Columbia Basin Trust, $70,000 from the Columbia Power Corporation, and $15,000 from FortisBC.

Quagga mussels. (Photo Credit: Dave Britton/Ontario's Invading Species Awareness Program)