More than 6,100 watercrafts have been inspected for invasive mussels so far this year and a number of boats have been stopped from entering B.C. waters, the provincial government said Tuesday.
Through the Invasive Mussel Defence Program, 32 mussel inspectors are working seven days a week at eight permanent inspection stations along B.C. borders. Of the watercraft inspected so far this year, 240 were identified as coming from a high-risk jurisdiction and eight were confirmed to be carrying adult invasive mussels.
Forty-five decontamination orders were issued and 35 watercrafts had quarantine periods to meet the 30-day required drying time.
Quagga and zebra mussels pose a serious threat to B.C.'s aquatic ecosystems, salmon populations, hydropower 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.
B.C. remains free of invasive quagga and zebra mussels.
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