Invasive Species Watercraft Inspection in BC

The Invasive Species Watercraft Inspection Program is a plan to prevent introduction of non-native species to BC. Recently when heading off for some spring lake fishing we were stopped at a checkpoint on #1 highway for a mandatory invasive species inspection of our boat. The conservation officer explained that there is a current concern for two species in particular they were checking for : the Zebra mussels and Quagga mussels to prevent them spreading from the Great Lakes to British Columbia. Here's what you can do to help prevent the spread of these invasive species.

Cleaning your fishing or recreation water vehicle prevents transfer of invasive species

(The mussels) “are not yet in BC and pose a serious threat to native species
and fisheries in our lakes and rivers”

Zebra & Quagga Mussels & What is the problem

According to the B.C. invasive mussel program handout “these mussels are:

very difficult to eradicate
costly to remove
threaten native species and fisheries ...”

The mussels attach themselves to the bottom of boats and other watercraft and easily transfer to other lakes and spread across the country. The larvae float in water, pumps and bilges under boats and are not detectable.

Here is information from the Department of Fisheries on the Zebra mussel and the Quagga mussel

What We Can Do

The Conservation Officer Service recommends when moving your watercraft between lakes and rivers within Canada to :

CLEAN

DRAIN &

DRY

This prevention program will stop the spread of these mussels to British Columbia. It's a simple procedure when you are out fishing before returning home to protect and preserve our native species and environment.