WHEREAS an aquatic vessel originating from Arizona and identified as carrying Quagga mussels was launched in Shuswap Lake in July 2012 resulting in an emergency response by the Ministry of Environment to determine if live mussels had been introduced into Shuswap Lake and to implement quarantine and decontamination measures; AND WHEREAS Quagga and Zebra mussels are a non-native invasive species that pose a serious threat to British Columbias natural aquatic ecosystems and can produce significant negative impacts to the economy; AND WHEREAS Quagga and Zebra mussel populations have invaded regions in Ontario and fourteen US states and are threatening neighbouring jurisdictions with new introductions with the primary vector for new colonies of Quagga and Zebra mussels being their transport on or within boats crossing from infested to non-infested waters; AND WHEREAS Quagga and Zebra mussels act as prodigious water filterers, removing substantial amounts of phytoplankton and suspended particulate from the water ultimately resulting in a proliferation of aquatic plants that can change species dominance, alter the entire lake ecosystem and adversely affect infrastructure such as water intakes: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM request that the Province of BC take immediate measures to protect the lakes of British Columbia from introduction of Quagga and Zebra mussels through mandatory inspections of vessels being transported from Quagga or Zebra mussel infested waters.
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations The Province recognizes the serious threat posed by invasive Quagga and Zebra mussels. In response to this and other aquatic invasive species threats, government has reviewed and proposed amendments to the Controlled Alien Species Regulation under the Wildlife Act. The amendments will prohibit the possession, transport or breeding of listed species, which includes Quagga and Zebra mussels and enable conservation officers and other law enforcement staff to stop, inspect and impound mussel fouled boats. UBCM has been informed of this pending regulation change and confirmed its support in early November 2012. The Province is also working with the federal government to have Quagga and Zebra mussels added to the Federal Aquatic Species Regulation. This will prohibit the importation of live mussels into Canada and enable the Canada Border Services Agency to stop mussel fouled boats from entering the country. Quagga and Zebra mussels are currently not found in British Columbia or the Pacific Northwest states. The Province is a partner in cross-border initiatives and alert networks that have been established to prevent the introduction of these mussels from infested waters. The Province is working to strengthen provincial communication and response strategies.