Zebra and quagga mussels (ZQM) pose a major threat to BC waters. In other parts of North America, these mussels have caused considerable damage to hydropower stations, and municipal water supplies. The mussels can also have impacts on biodiversity, water quality, recreation, fisheries and species at risk.
CKISS staff started to monitor our local lakes and rivers for ZQM on June 9, 2022. So far, CKISS has collected 90 plankton samples from ten waterbodies. CKISS monitoring efforts are part of the provincial Invasive Mussel Defence Program, which aims to prevent the introduction of ZQM into B.C. To date, B.C. is still free of these invasive mussels!
What waterbodies are we monitoring?
- Slocan River
Help us keen Kootenay Lake pristine! - Slocan Lake
- Kootenay Lake
- Kootenay River
- Columbia River
- Duncan Lake
- Summit Lake
- Whatshan Lake
- Arrow Lake – Lower
- Arrow Lake – Upper
How can you help?
- You can help prevent the introduction of invasive mussels by practicing to clean, drain and dry your watercraft and equipment. If you are transporting a watercraft in B.C. it is mandatory to stop at all watercraft inspection stations along your route.
- Any suspected invasive mussels should be reported immediately to the Conservation Officer Services Report All Poachers and Polluters: 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP).
- Any invasive species sightings in B.C. should be reported using the Report-Invasives B.C. apps for iPhone and iPad or Android.
#ProtectOurWaters #CleanDrainDry
CKISS recognizes the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation for making a significant financial contribution to support the Preserving the Ecological Function of BC’s Freshwater Project. Partnerships are key to conserving BC’s wildlife, fish, and their habitats.
Additional funding has also been provided by Columbia Power and Columbia Basin Watershed Network.
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship.
