British Columbia is facing an ongoing battle to prevent mussel infestation, with the province recently receiving a substantial financial boost to support their efforts. BC Hydro will be investing $900,000 a year for the next five years into the Invasive Mussel Defence Program, which aims to prevent invasive mussels from entering B.C. waters through watercraft inspection stations and early detection monitoring. The program will also receive an additional $150,000 from the BC Wildlife Federation, the Pacific Salmon Foundation, and the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation. These investments are crucial in keeping waterways free of invasive mussels, as stated by Nathan Cullen, B.C.’s minister of land and water.
The province of British Columbia has made fighting invasive mussels a priority and will continue to take action alongside partners and communities. In addition to the funding from BC Hydro and other conservation organizations, ongoing contributions are also being made by the Columbia Basin Trust, Columbia Power, and FortisBC. Watercraft inspection stations are open from April until October, with inspectors encouraging boat owners to follow the ‘clean, drain, and dry’ motto to prevent the spread of invasive mussels. The province highlights the significant economic and environmental risks posed by zebra and quagga mussels, including damage to water infrastructure and outcompeting native species and ecosystems.
The introduction of invasive mussels into B.C. could result in estimated annual removal and management costs ranging from $64 million to $129 million. Last year, crews conducted close to 21,000 inspections and collected 867 water samples from 83 priority water bodies across the province. BC Hydro’s president and CEO, Chris O’Riley, emphasized the importance of keeping invasive mussels out of B.C. to protect the freshwater ecosystems and fish. BC Hydro’s funding for the Invasive Mussel Defence Program is part of its aquatic invasive species strategy, which includes other initiatives and activities to minimize the risk of invasive species infiltration.
Jesse Zeman of the BC Wildlife Federation also emphasized the devastating impacts that invasive mussels could have on B.C.’s rivers, lakes, and electricity production. Invasive mussels pose a significant risk to critical water infrastructure by potentially plugging pipes and other essential equipment in generating facilities. The government of British Columbia continues to advocate to the federal government to resume funding for the program. Preventing the introduction of invasive mussels is essential for the overall health of B.C.’s freshwater ecosystems and the preservation of native species. The collaborative efforts of various organizations and government agencies are crucial in protecting waterways and maintaining the ecological balance in the region.
The financial investments from BC Hydro, conservation organizations, and other partners are a significant step towards bolstering the Invasive Mussel Defence Program and strengthening the prevention measures in place. The ongoing support from various entities demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding B.C.’s waterways from the threat of invasive mussels. With watercraft inspection stations operating seasonally and promoting best practices to boat owners, the province is actively working to prevent the spread of zebra and quagga mussels. The continued advocacy and funding efforts aim to address the economic, environmental, and ecological risks associated with invasive mussel infestation, ensuring the long-term sustainability of British Columbia’s aquatic ecosystems and native species.
