WHEREAS species introductions are the leading cause of biodiversity loss in lake ecosystems and are a growing threat to aquaculture in the Canadian coastal ecosystems; AND WHEREAS invasive non-indigenous species are recognized as one of the most serious environmental problems in the world: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM request the federal and provincial governments to take immediate action to implement legislation and border controls whereby owners of aquatic equipment are obligated to prevent the spread of invasive Zebra and Quagga mussels to the province of British Columbia.
Ministry of Environment The Province recognizes the serious threat posed by invasive Zebra and Quagga mussels. In response to this and other aquatic invasive species threats, government amended the Controlled Alien Species Regulation under the Wildlife Act in December 2012. The amendments prohibit the possession, transport or sale of listed species, which includes Zebra and Quagga mussels and enable conservation officers and other law enforcement staff to stop, inspect and impound mussel fouled boats. UBCM was informed of this pending regulation change and confirmed its support in early November 2012. The Province is working with the federal government to have Zebra and Quagga mussels added to the Federal Aquatic Species Regulation. This will prohibit the importation of live mussels into Canada and is required to enable the Canada Border Services Agency to stop mussel fouled boats from entering the country. The Ministry, in collaboration with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, is monitoring for Zebra and Quagga mussels across BC. The Ministry is also working with the Invasive Species Council of BC on a major project under the Take Action Initiative to reduce the risk of these species introductions by promoting Clean, Drain, and Dry with recreational boaters and providing training and decontamination equipment and services. As part of the response, the provincial Conservation Service Hotline, or RAPP line, has been set up to deal with calls regarding mussel infested boats. The new procedures for boat inspection have also been field tested during a two day boat inspection blitz on July 4 and 5 2013, in the Okanagan. Zebra and Quagga 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. Ministry of Forests, Lands Natural Resource Operations At this time, there is no evidence that Zebra or Quagga mussels have become established in British Columbia. They are also not established in Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Montana, Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba. In 2009, British Columbia became a partner in the Columbia Basin Rapid Response Plan, which includes representation from Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. This system provides for early detection and rapid response to invasive species threats. Government is immediately notified whenever Zebra mussels or Quagga mussels are detected in the Columbia River basin. In December 2012, the provincial government amended the Controlled Alien Species Regulation to further restrict non-native species. No invasive Zebra or Quagga mussel, alive or dead, is allowed to remain on boats or related equipment. Failure to clean the mussels off boats or equipment could result in a fine of up to 100,000. The provincial government has also produced public education material about invasive aquatic species that is distributed at boat launches and related tourist and recreation facilities. Three high-pressure washing stations are available for use at designated boat launches as part of the Clean, Drain and Dry program operated by the Invasive Species Council of BC. This program teaches boaters proper techniques to remove aquatic animal and plant material from their boats, trailers and gear. The washing stations are deployed strategically in southern BC to provide a rapid response to any perceived threat from invasive mussels. Government is also considering roadside inspection stations to stop boats and inspect them for mussels.