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invasive mussel protection bc

Protecting BC waterways from invasive mussels

May 31, 2019 | 1:10 PM

BRITISH COLUMBIA–From now until October of this year, inspectors with the BC Conservation Officer Service will be educating the public and checking boats travelling through BC waters for invasive mussel species.

12 inspection stations will be set up throughout the province to ensure that the invasive zebra and quagga mussels don’t infest BC waterways. The checkpoints will have inspectors both on two and four legs.

“British Columbians depend on our clean waterways for fishing, recreation and tourism. Zebra and quagga mussels pose a serious threat to these activities, as well as to our fish populations and sensitive ecosystems,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “

This is the fifth season of British Columbia’s Invasive Mussel Defence Program.The mussels don’t only pose to a risk to rivers and lakes but also to BC Hydro operations.

“They can interfere with our ability to produce power by blocking equipment in our generating facilities, which can lead to costly repairs. We are pleased to continue to partner on the Province’s Invasive Mussel Defence Program.”said Karen Popoff, director of environment, BC Hydro.

In 2018 more than 40,000 inspections were conducted and 25 were found with the invasive species destined to make their way through BC waters.