If invasive zebra and quagga mussels ended up in B.C lakes and rivers they would pose significant harm to our economy, the environment and society. Mussels can clog pipes, damage property and equipment, displace native aquatic plants and wildlife, limit recreation opportunities, and affect drinking water quality.
Luckily B.C to date is still mussel free thanks in part to the hard working Provincial mussel inspection crews who are working 10 hour days 7 days a week in order to protect our waters.
The Stats
The province announced this week that the inspection stations have already surpassed the number of watercraft inspected in all 2015. Here are the numbers:
- 6100 watercraft inspected
- 240 watercraft were identified coming from a high-risk area
- 8 boats confirmed to be carrying invasive mussels
- 32 trained mussel inspectors
- 8 permanent inspection stations
- 10,000 people who have received the Clean Drain Dry message
How can I keep our lakes free of invasive species?
To prevent aquatic invasive species from ending up in our lakes, make sure that you Clean, Drain and Dry your watercraft when moving between water bodies as follows:
- CLEAN: Remove plants, animals and mud from your boat, trailer, and equipment. Need to find a place to wash your boat? Download Commercial boatwash locations.
- DRAIN: Drain your bilge, ballast, buckets, and any other water containers onto dry land,
- DRY: All items should be completely dry before launching into another waterbody.
IMPORTANT: If your boat has recently been in an area with zebra or quagga mussels: call 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP line) before launching into any body of water. It would only take 1 mussel-infested boat to devastate B.C. lakes. Protect our waters!
Watch for the Provincial roadside mandatory watercraft inspection stations!