Be Aware of Aquatic Species

What you can do to stop the spreading of zebra and quagga mussels.

Courtesy Shuswap Watershed Council

Protecting the waterways in British Columbia from invasive mussels is an ongoing effort. To date, they haven’t reached the Shuswap or anywhere in the province thanks to the awareness raised by BC environmental groups and the responsible behaviour of recreational boaters and outdoor enthusiasts.

What are the Invasive Species?

If you’re unfamiliar with these invasive mussels, it’s important to first understand what they are and how they can impact our waterways. Zebra and quagga mussels originate in Europe but have invaded several lakes and rivers in Eastern and Central North America and as far west as California. 

If they were to spread into the Shuswap, they would have a devastating impact on the region and its scenic lakes. Zebra and quagga mussels grow and attach to anything below the water’s surface like boat hulls, dock pilings, inside pipes, and even inside engine compartments. The mussels form in colonies and removing them would be an ongoing maintenance effort, which has been conservatively estimated to cost BC property owners and taxpayers $43 million per year.

Zebra and quagga mussels can also impact water quality and disrupt aquatic food-webs through filter-feeding and by competing with native species for food, which would put the ecosystem of lakes and even our drinking water at risk. Studies in the Great Lakes have linked invasive mussels to toxic algal blooms and when the mussels die, they give off a terrible stench. Their small, sharp shells wash up on shorelines and beaches, thus disturbing the enjoyment of all water-based activities. 

Once the zebra and quagga mussels are established in a lake, there are no effective means of eliminating their presence. They also reproduce prolifically, leading to massive infestations.

If you’re not already aware of what can be done to prevent the spreading of zebra and quagga mussels, it’s important to understand that they can move from one lake to another by clinging to boats, PWCs, kayaks, canoes, and other watercraft. They attach directly to a surface or collect within small compartments of water. A lot can be done, and be sure to take the following steps when boating in BC this season. 

  • One of the most important measures is following the mandate of cleaning, draining, and drying your boat or watercraft and trailer after every outing on the water. Wash off plants, mud, and minute marine life from watercraft, trailers, and equipment such as waders and fishing gear. 
  • Always drain your bilge, ballast tanks, baitwell(s), the engine coolant system, and inflatable water toys onto dry land and mop up standing water with a chamois cloth. It’s also important to ensure watercraft and equipment are dry before launching into another lake water body. 
  • Watercraft inspection stations are established along the highways and an inspection is mandatory for all travellers with boats, kayaks, canoes, car-toppers, PWC, and paddleboards. When you pull into a watercraft inspection station, a member of the BC Conservation Officer Service will inspect your boat or watercraft and decontaminate it if necessary. The inspection is free, but failing to stop with any type of watercraft in tow results in a heavy fine. 

If you’re visiting the Shuswap from outside of the province and didn’t have your boat or watercraft inspected, please phone the provincial RAPP hotline at 1-877-952-RAPP (7277) before you launch. Suspected sightings of zebra and quagga mussels in BC should be immediately reported to the RAPP hotline at 1-877-952-RAPP (7277).

If you’re visiting the Shuswap or are a resident, it’s pertinent to follow these guidelines to prevent the spreading of invasive zebra and quagga mussels among BC’s scenic lakes and waterways.