Officers still checking for mussels despite fewer boaters

Jul 6, 2020 | 5:40 AM

Close to 3,700 vehicles coming into British Columbia with watercraft have been checked this year as part of the invasive mussel defence program.

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) says five mussel-fouled boats have been found.

Most of these were transported from eastern Canada,’ said Chris Doyle from the BCCOS. “Of the total inspections done, 25 are considered high risk water craft.”

The program aims to prevent the spread of mussels into B.C. waterways, and the watercraft volume is lower than past years due to the Covid impact.

“Most water craft travelling are from within B.C. and Alberta which are both considered low risk provinces as they currently do not have invasive mussels,” stated Doyle.

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As per our prior seasons, the program will be up and running until late October.

Doyle said it is mandatory for anyone transporting a water craft in B.C. to stop at an invasive mussel inspection station.

“Conservation officers have received several reports of motorists ignoring these stations and driving past. Doing this will result in a $345 fine if those motorists are stopped by a conservation officer, he said.

by Pete McIntyre

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