Heath_Fletcher
Aquatic invasive species (AIS), particularly zebra and quagga mussels (ZQM) pose acute threats to ecologies and biodiversity in BC waters while also posing threats of permanent harm and cost to tourism, local economies, and communities. The harms inflicted by AIS on aquatic resources and communities where ZQM has taken hold are well documented and actions must be taken now to prevent these harms in our area and across the province.
Recently, the dynamics of domestic and U.S. visitor travel patterns have changed. Travel across provincial and national borders continues to increase, demonstrating the need for action to support AIS prevention activities in BC.
While the Government of British Columbia has an invasive species early detection and rapid response plan established, this plan does not contain any details on dealing with an infestation of AIS should one occur. This means every action possible to prevent an infestation of AIS must be taken.
Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba have legislated requirements for watercraft owners to remove the drain plug from their boat every time it's taken out of the water and transported. However, there is no such requirement that could help prevent the spread of AIS in BC. It is up to recreational boaters and outdoor enthusiasts to do the right thing. Everyone needs to make sure they clean, drain, and dry any watercraft and water toys when leaving a body of water or moving to a new one. This even includes float plane operators ensuring their aircraft are not transporting AIS from infested to non-infested waters.
Although there have been government funding commitments on aquatic invasive species, these have not materialized. The federal budgets for 2022 and 2023 contained no targeted funding nor policies to protect Western Canadian Provinces from invasive aquatic species spreading across Canada.
Supporting Allies in the Fight Against AIS
Regional and community organizations focused on preventing the spread of AIS play essential and invaluable roles in fighting AIS. Through public education, being present at docks and transportation corridors during and beyond peak seasons and informing the work of representatives and governments through advocacy, these organizations represent many of the ‘boots on the ground’ of the frontlines in the fight against AIS.
If approached by representatives of the provincial watercraft inspection team or any of the invasive species prevention organizations, please note they are operating for the protection of the very waterways you may be enjoying or have just enjoyed. They are working to ensure that the waterway does not become a point of AIS establishment in our area.
Locals and visitors alike are encouraged to recognize that the introduction of AIS such as ZQM to BC would decimate tourism and recreation sectors, and severely damage aquatic ecosystems and food webs as well as all species that depend on them. It’s also paramount that they take action to help prevent the spread of AIS and ZQM to Canada and our province of British Columbia.
Respectfully,
Mel Arnold
Member of Parliament, North Okanagan – Shuswap.
Associate Shadow Minister for Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.