Invasive mussel defense program launches for fifth year

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And so far, the dogs have proven to have some successes.

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The ministry says in his first year, Kilo conducted more than 900 inspections and detected invasive mussels on two boats.

Major the dog and his handler Sgt. Cynthia Mann will embark on their first season this year .

The ministry says the dogs are also trained to detect firearms, shell casings, human scent and bear parts.

Last year, the province ensured annual funding dedicated to the program, leading to more inspections and more opportunities for public awareness. Funding for the 2019 program includes:

* BC Hydro – $1.25 million

* Columbia Basin Trust – $250,000

* Columbia Power – $250,000

* Fortis BC – $250,000

* Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy – $1.75 million annually, including a $1 million budget.

“Invasive mussels not only pose a significant risk to British Columbia’s rivers and lakes, but also to BC Hydro’s operations,” said Karen Popoff, director of environment, BC Hydro. “They can interfere with our ability to produce power by blocking equipment in our generating facilities, which can lead to costly repairs. We are pleased to continue to partner on the Province’s Invasive Mussel Defence Program.”

In 2018, officers conducted more than 40,000 inspections and found 25 mussel-fouled boats destined for the Lower Mainland, Okanagan, Thompson-Nicola, Vancouver Island and the Kootenays. Partner jurisdictions provided advance notification for 20 of those boats, which came from Ontario, Arizona, Manitoba, Michigan, Utah and Nevada.

Anyone with a watercraft (sailboats, motorboats, car toppers, kayaks, canoes and paddle boats) travelling through or into B.C. is required to stop at an inspection station. Failing to stop can result in a $345 fine.

“The Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC) is pleased to see the continued partnerships and funding to help protect B.C.’s waters from aquatic invasive species,” said Dave Bennett, chair, ISCBC. “Working together and making sure that all watercraft users, from big to small, clean, drain and dry their boats and equipment is critical to avoiding the transport by hitchhiking invasive species.”

The public is encouraged to report watercraft suspected of transporting invasive mussels to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1 877 952-7277.