Whereas invasive Asian clams Corbicula fluminea are known to threaten the natural biodiversity of lakes by competing with native species for sustenance and space, cause biofouling to water treatments systems, alter water chemistry, and potentially reduce the quality of drinking water; And whereas the spread of Asian clams will have significant environmental, social, and economic consequences for our waterways, wildlife and communities; And whereas the Controlled Alien Species Regulation exists under the Wildlife Act to enforce controls for species that pose a risk to people, property, wildlife, and wildlife habitat: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Province of British Columbia to designate invasive Asian clams Corbicula fluminea as a Prohibited Aquatic Invasive Species under the Controlled Alien Species Regulation under the Wildlife Act.
Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy Ministry staff are working to update the 2015 provincial risk assessment for Asian clams to incorporate recent changes to their distribution in BC. This work will help inform whether Asian clams may be considered for future listing under the Controlled Alien Species Regulation CAS of the Wildlife Act. Based on research and experiences from other jurisdictions, the impacts of Asian clams on water systems and infrastructure are highly variable and site specific, and they currently do not meet the criteria set by the province to be listed as species for Early Detection Rapid Response. The Ministry is planning additional survey and outreach work in Shuswap Lake and surrounding waterbodies to assess the extent of Corbicula following the detection in 2019. This population is a significant distance from their previously known distribution in BC and indicates a new local introduction. The work is being done in partnership with local Indigenous communities. This includes continuing to promote existing outreach and education programssuch as Clean, Drain, Dry and Dont Let It Loose to help prevent the spread of Asian clams.