The Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) and the Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society (CSIS) are sounding the alarm about the impact invasive mussels would have on local lake ecosystems.

A recent provincial report said that a zebra and/or quagga mussel (ZQM) infestation would cost B.C. between $64 million and $129 million annually. This estimate is up from a 2013 study that estimated the costs of a ZQM invasion to be approximately $53 million annually.

According to Erin Vieira, program manager for the Shuswap Watershed Council, these costs estimates underscore the importance of preventing an invasion of ZQM in B.C.

The report breaks down the cost estimates on an annual basis as follows: hydro infrastructure ($17.2 含羞草研究社�23.3 million), municipal and domestic water supply infrastructure ($8 含羞草研究社� 49.7 million), agriculture and golf course irrigation ($2.5 含羞草研究社� 5.3 million), maintenance to boats and marinas ($3.7 含羞草研究社� 8.1 million), lost profits and revenues from the tourism industry ($2.5 含羞草研究社� 12.6 million), loss in residential property values and property taxes due to reduced water quality and shoreline values ($30.2 million).

The SWC highlights that these costs would be borne by ratepayers, taxpayers, businesses and property owners.

The report clarifies that if accidentally introduced to B.C., it would take time for ZQM to establish and reproduce and costs would increase gradually over time.

含羞草研究社淧reventing the spread of invasive mussels is key. Watercraft users should clean-drain-dry every time they move their watercraft 含羞草研究社� that includes boats, paddleboards, kayaks and canoes, inflatable dinghies, personal watercraft, and more,含羞草研究社� said Robyn Hooper, executive director of CSISS.

To date, ZQM occur in Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, as well as over 24 states in the U.S.

Travellers coming to B.C. with watercraft are required to stop at watercraft inspection stations along their travel route. A member of the BC Conservation Officer Service will inspect and, if necessary, decontaminate travellers含羞草研究社� watercraft.

含羞草研究社淭he Shuswap Watershed Council is committed to continuing with our work to educate and advocate for better protection measures from the provincial and federal governments in order to minimize the risk of an invasion,含羞草研究社� explained Vieira.

READ MORE: Smokin含羞草研究社� hot day on the track for Okanagan elementary athletes

READ MORE: Residents, pets escape early morning bedroom fire in West Kelowna

Jake.courtepatte@kelownacapnews.com
Like us on and follow us on and subscribe to our daily and subscribe to our daily newsletter.