Protecting Kootenay Waters: CKISS Completes 2024 Zebra and Quagga Mussel Monitoring

In 2024, CKISS staff and contractors undertook the important task of collecting 257 water samples from local lakes and rivers, including Upper and Lower Arrow, Kootenay, Duncan, Slocan, Summit, Whatshan Lakes, and the Columbia, Kootenay, and Slocan Rivers to monitor for the presence of invasive zebra and quagga mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and Dreissena rostriformis bugenis). These samples have been sent to a B.C. Government designated lab, stay tuned for the results! Fingers crossed the results are negative and Kootenay waterbodies remain free of these highly invasive mussels.

CKISS staff take a sample on the Columbia River in Trail.

Why are these small invasive mussels a big problem?

The looming threat of zebra and quagga mussels remains. These invasive species have the potential to wreak havoc on our aquatic ecosystems, displacing native plants and wildlife, and turning our pristine beaches into areas covered with razor-sharp shells, disrupting both environmental health and recreational activities.

Tiny but Troublesome: Zebra Mussels, ranging from 1 mm to 3 cm in size as fully grown adults. Recognized by their brown or cream-colored shells adorned with jagged brown or black stripes. The D-shaped shells spell trouble, causing local extirpation of native mussel populations and filtering water to the point of removing crucial food sources like plankton. Their impact extends to fish, wildlife, drinking water, and even recreational activities, posing risks to swimmers with their sharp shells. The hidden costs? Increased expenses in maintaining power generation, sewage, and water facilities Photo:Amy Benson

How can you help?

To help prevent the spread of these invasive mussels, CKISS encourages anyone bringing motorized or non-motorized watercraft into British Columbia to contact the B.C. Invasive Mussel Defence Program. The Program will assess if boats are high-risk and whether they need inspection or decontamination before launching into B.C.’s waters.

Did you know? If you’re transporting watercraft—including sailboats, motorboats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards—in B.C., you’re required to stop at all invasive mussel watercraft inspection stations along your route. Failing to stop at an open inspection station could result in a $690 fine. These inspections are critical to keeping our lakes and rivers mussel-free.

Let’s keep B.C.’s waters healthy, clean, and mussel-free! For more details on the B.C. Invasive Mussel Defence Program, visit www.gov.bc.ca/invasivemussels.

All watercraft, and any equipment that is used in the water, should be thoroughly cleaned, drained and dried before moving to a new waterbody. This includes small boats like canoes, kayaks and paddleboards.

Recognition

CKISS recognizes the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation and the Province of British Columbia for their significant financial contributions to support the “Preserving the Ecological Function of BC’s Freshwater, 2024” project. Additional support was provided by Columbia Power.  These lake monitoring efforts contribute towards the Province’s ongoing delivery of the Invasive Mussel Defence Program.