Photo: Contributed
British Columbia’s Conservation Service has intercepted a vessel covered in invasive clams.
When BC Invasive Mussel Protection Program staff were notified that a high-risk vessel heading to the lower mainland appeared to be covered in invasive zebra mussels, Environmental Conservation Service (COS) inspectors immediately took action actions.
Officials knew the consequences of allowing the barge into British Columbia waters could have significant impacts on local ecosystems and infrastructure, as the invasive mussel could establish and outcompete native species.
Inspectors tracked down the shipping company and its cargo, a massive barge transported in two 40-foot-long sections, each 10 feet high and 10 feet wide. The barge traveled from Lake Ontario and was intended for industrial use on a Lower Mainland waterway.
The shipment was diverted to a warehouse in Richmond for full decontamination, the largest of its kind for invasive zebra mussels since the program began in 2015.
COS Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) inspectors were quickly mobilized from the Okanagan and Lower Mainland.
They used specialized equipment to remove thousands of invasive mussels during approximately 10 hours of work over two days.
Many of the clams were viable, meaning they could reproduce in British Columbia waters if given the chance. This is yet to happen in the countryside.
“This was the largest, most significant discovery of zebra mussels on a vessel that our teams have ever encountered. To decontaminate the ship, we needed a specialized operational plan and space due to the large size,” said COS AIS Insp. Dave Webster. “I’m proud of how quickly our teams mobilized to stop invasive mussels from reaching British Columbia waters. This is a testament to the success of the Invasive Mussel Protection Program and its coordinated approach with our neighboring provinces to address the threat of this invasive species.”
The decontaminated barge was placed under a mandatory 30-day quarantine, which expired this week.
Some of the shellfish samples will be used to train two COS ban detection dogs, Kilo and Major. German Shepherds are trained to detect invasive clams and often help out at boat inspection stations in British Columbia during the summer.
“Zebra mussels may be smaller than a fingernail, but they cause huge problems if they invade lakes and streams. Not only can they clog water pipes and destroy boat engines, but they can cause significant damage to aquatic ecosystems that support native plant and wildlife species,” said Josie Osborne, Minister for Land, Water and Resources Management.
Mandatory vessel inspection stations are open across the province to prevent harmful zebra and quagga mussels from hitchhiking on British Columbia waterways.
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