Invasive zebra and quagga mussels may be small, but the problems they cause are huge.
These freshwater invaders:
• Reproduce rapidly: A single mussel can produce up to a million eggs per year.
• Clog infrastructure: Water intake pipes, boat motors, and hydro systems can become heavily infested requiring ongoing maintenance.
• Degrade ecosystems: Dense mussel colonies smother native species and disrupt food webs.
• Impact recreation: Beaches covered in sharp shells, restricting access.
• Once these mussels establish in a lake, eradication is nearly impossible, and the ecological, economic, and recreational costs can last for decades.
What’s Being Done?
Watercraft Inspection Stations: These roadside inspection stations play a critical role in early detection and prevention.
Trained inspectors:
- Inspect all parts of boats and equipment for invasive mussels and standing water that could be transporting microscopic larvae of invasive mussels or other aquatic invasive species .
- Educate boaters on the preventative steps of practicing Clean, Drain, Dry and the “Pull the Plug” requirement which requires that all drainage holes, valves or other devices used to drain water are left open when transporting a boat, water-related equipment or aircraft, on land.
These preventative steps are key to helping prevent the spread of invasive mussels and other aquatic invasive species in BC.
Lake Monitoring Programs
CKISS is regularly surveying our region’s lakes, deploying:
- Substrate samplers to check for early colonization by invasive mussels.
- Plankton nets to test for microscopic mussel larvae (veligers).
Early detection allows for rapid response to contain and assess control options if invasive mussels are detected in a waterway . Preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species is the single most effective method of control.
How You Can Pitch In
Prevention becomes powerful with public action. Small actions = big impacts!
Here’s what you can do:
- Stop at all open inspection stations along your travel route (it’s mandatory in BC and applies to all types of boats including canoes, kayaks and paddleboards). Be prepared for an inspection; it could save millions of dollars.
- Clean, Drain, Dry your boat and equipment every time you exit a waterbody and before you launch into a new one. Remove mud, drain water, and let gear dry thoroughly.
- Pull the plug! It’s the law in BC! A person must not transport on land a boat, water-related equipment or aircraft, unless all drainage holes, valves or other devices used to drain water are left open. Alternatively, the boat can be transported in an inverted manner such that the interior of the boat is drained, including draining any ballast tanks, bilge areas or compartments.
- Report suspicious findings. Spotted anything odd? Floating shell clusters? Any suspected, invasive mussels should be reported immediately to the Conservation Officer Services Report All Poachers and Polluters: 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP). Report any other suspected invasive species in BC using the Provincial reporting tools.
- If you’re bringing your boat from out-of-province, contact the Provincial Program at COS.Aquatic.Invasive.Species@gov.bc.ca to determine if your boat is HIGH-RISK and should be decontaminated for possible zebra or quagga mussels before launching it in B.C. waters. It’s free!
Why It Matters to All of Us
Protecting our lakes isn’t just about preserving nature—it’s about sustaining tourism, fishing, and beachside enjoyment. That’s true for recreation users, local businesses, and families who value outdoor life in BC.
In Summary
Zebra and quagga mussels are a serious threat—but early action such as prevention and public cooperation CAN protect our lakes.
With inspection stations, monitoring programs, and vigilant water users like you, we stand a chance.
Stay alert, stay clean, and play your part.
Want to learn more?
Check out the BC Government’s Invasive Mussel Program and learn how Clean-Drain-Dry helps protect every one of our waterways.
Thanks to our Funders
The Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society recognizes the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, the Province of British Columbia, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada for making significant financial contributions to support the Preserving the Ecological Function of BC’s Freshwater, 2025 project. These lake monitoring efforts support the Province’s ongoing delivery of the Invasive Mussel Defence Program. Additional support has been provided by Columbia Power.
Additional support for Clean Drain Dry education has been provided by Fortis BC.