Columbia Shuswap Regional District directors want to shut down entry of invasive mussels to B.C. waters.
At the Aug. 16 board meeting, the board agreed to submit a resolution to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, asking that the province take immediate action to protect B.C. lakes from the introduction of quagga and zebra mussels.
Directors want to see mandatory inspections and quarantine, when warranted, of vessels being transported from areas currently suffering infestations.
The late resolution was put forward by Area E Rural Sicamous director Rhona Martin, who noted the invasive species pose a serious threat to the province’s natural aquatic ecosystems and can produce significant negative impacts to the economy.
“Hamish said it could be a real threat to plugging up water intakes,” said Martin referring to (the CSRD’s environmental services co-ordinator.) “He was very concerned about it. We’re dealing with milfoil introduced some 30 years ago and this is another kink in the hose.”
Martin notes there have been infestations in other parts of the country.
“When it was first identified, quagga was coming from the U.S. but apparently it’s coming from all sides now.”
Area D Falkland-Silver Creek-Ranchero director Rene Talbot pointed out implementing control on vessels would be a huge challenge for places where lakes cross borders.