action needs to be accelerated. There are other unofficial reports of mussels moving across the Canada-U.S. border undetected, and launching into Okanagan waters. It’s imperative that Okanagan boaters take action and be part of the solution. The most effective way to ensure our lakes do not become infested with mussels and other aquatic invasive species is prevention. Follow these tips:


CLEAN off any visible mussels, plants, mud or other debris from all equipment that enters the water (e.g. boats, trailers, waders, scuba gear).


BC Conservation Officer Services Photo


could result in a fine of up to $100,000. But legislation alone is not enough. There has been a call to action from


total cost of a mussel invasion in the Okanagan would exceed $43 million per year with added maintenance of aquatic infrastructure (including scraping the floating bridge) and lost revenues (e.g. hurting tourism and property values). BC has been on full alert since July 2012 when a mussel-infested boat launched into Shuswap Lake. Swift action by several groups, and voluntary compliance on the part of the boat owner, appear to have prevented a disastrous situation. In December 2012, recognizing the seriousness of the issue, the B.C. government made it illegal to bring the mussels into the province – dead or alive. Failure to clean mussels off boats or related equipment


many B.C. groups for the provincial government to take further efforts to prevent the spread of the mussels. The main advocacy group in the valley is the Okanagan Basin Water Board. They are asking the provincial government to set up mandatory boat inspection stations at key entry points into our province. This has been an effective approach in U.S. states such as Idaho, where close to 200,000 inspections of watercraft have taken place in the past five years. During this time, 19 percent of the 105 intercepted vessels transporting mussels were destined for B.C. (11%) or Alberta (8%). In March of this year, we received another wake up call. A customs official with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) contacted the B.C. Conservation Officer Service regarding a boat infested with invasive mussels. The Conservation Officers directed the boat to be decontaminated before it was allowed to enter Okanagan Lake. The CBSA had no legal authority to prevent the boat from coming into the Canada, but fortunately the driver voluntarily complied. As of March, federal legislation is still pending in Ottawa that will allow border services officers to detain such boats, and ensure they are decontaminated before entering B.C. But


DRAIN all water from your bilge, ballast, live well and bait buckets onto dry land DRY all equipment for 5 days in the sun before entering another water body. If this is not an option, then pressure-wash all equipment with hot water (600C+) and towel dry.


NEVER transport live fish between water ways (it’s illegal) and NEVER empty aquarium fish or plants into the wild. It’s also important to check docks, piers and boat launches for the presence of mussels. Their small size and the fact they attach to underwater surfaces differentiates them from our native mussels and clams. In the summer of 2013, the Okanagan and Similkameen Invasive Species Society collaborated with local marinas and yacht clubs to set up monitoring stations in four valley bottom lakes. Partnerships and cooperative action are key if we are serious about keeping mussels out of B.C. Report mussel-affected boats or equipment to the provincial Conservation Officer Service's “Report All Poachers and Polluters” (RAPP) hotline: 1 877 952-7277 (toll-free).


For more information on invasive zebra and quagga mussels, the risks to the Okanagan and prevention tips, visit www.dontmoveamussel.ca.


Lisa Scott is the Coordinator for the Okanagan and Similkameen Invasive Species Society.


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