B.C.’s invasive mussel defence program intercepts 5 contaminated boats from Ontario
Global News
Five watercraft contaminated with invasive mussels were intercepted coming into B.C. Two were headed to the Okanagan, two to the Lower Mainland and one to Vancouver Island.
The province’s invasive mussel defence program reeled in five contaminated boats recently.
This week, the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) announced that the Ministry of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship, plus B.C.’s Conservation Officer Service, gave updates on how the program was faring this year.
The program guards British Columbian waters against zebra and quagga mussels via eight inspection stations.
Corrine Jackson of the OBWB says if invasive mussels enter the Okanagan’s water system, there would be substantial impacts.
“We’re talking water quality because they create toxic algae blooms. If you’ve seen any of the beaches that have totally been destroyed by these mussels, they cover them and they’re razor-sharp, they can cut your feet,” said Jackson.
As of July 3, five mussel-infected watercraft were detected at inspection stations. All five were travelling from Ontario.
“Two of those five were headed to the Okanagan, two of them to the Lower Mainland and one to Vancouver Island,” said Jackson.
The OBWB is asking the government to increase funding to maintain the stations in order to further prevent invasive species.