B.C. leads the fight against invasive mussels

KELOWNA – The Province is expanding its fight against invasive
mussels with a $1.3-million boost toward early detection and rapid
response.

Although these invasive species have never been detected in British
Columbia, this program expansion increases protection of B.C.’s lakes
and rivers against the threat of quagga and zebra mussels.

The strengthened invasive mussel defence program begins operations in
April for the 2015 boating season and consists of:

* Three mobile decontamination units.
* Six trained auxiliary conservation officers.
* Highway signage throughout the province.
* Expanded monitoring for zebra and quagga mussels.
* Report All Poachers or Polluters response line coverage.
* Increasing “Clean, Drain, Dry” education and outreach activities.

Through this program, teams will inspect and, if necessary,
decontaminate boats entering B.C. from Alberta. They also will
respond to boats from the U.S. identified as a concern by the
Canadian Border Services Agency, as well as U.S. partner agencies.
Each crew will be equipped with mobile self-contained decontamination
units.

The teams will consist of trained auxiliary conservation officers
coming from university compliance training programs offered by
Vancouver Island University, providing valuable experience for
students and recent graduates.

Twenty-four new highway signs featuring the Clean, Drain, Dry program
are also being installed at significant entry points into the
province.