Three invasive mussel species have invaded North American lakes and rivers since the mid 1980s: zebra, quagga and golden mussels. Invasive mussels do not occur in B.C. but they are moving closer to our province every year. Recently, there were two new detections of invasive mussels, one in the prairies and one in Oregon.
On June 6, a single dead adult quagga mussel was found on the shoreline at Prineville Resevoir in Oregon. Read more by clicking here.
On July 3, zebra mussel larvae were identified in Lake of the Prairies, a shared lake between Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Mussel larvae are microscopic and float freely in fresh water. The risk of accidental spread via overland watercraft movement is high. Read more by clicking here.
Introduction of these mussels into our province would have detrimental impacts on water quality, native aquatic species, infrastructure, waterways and recreation. It is important to raise awareness and prevent the spread of these aquatic invaders. Remember to CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY your watercraft and any equipment before bringing them to a new water body to prevent the introduction of any aquatic invasive species.
You can read more about invasive mussels and prevention methods by clicking here.
Visit the Don’t Move a Mussel website by clicking here.