OASISS staff member Nina sampling for invasive mussels in Kalamalka Lake. (submitted photo)

By Kevin Rothwell

11th year of study

No sign of invasive mussels in valley lakes

Jan 5, 2024 | 12:00 PM

A sigh of relief from authorities and local governments after another year of sampling suggests the Okanagan’s lakes remain free of invasive mussels.

The information comes on the heels of devastating news from the United States. In September, Idaho announced invasive quagga mussels were confirmed in the Snake River, a tributary to the Columbia River. The location at Twin Falls is less than an 11 hour drive from the B.C. border.

This was the eleventh year in which the Okanagan and Similkameen Invasive Species Society (OASISS) has been monitoring Okanagan lakes for invasive mussels. In 2023, the society collected 131 samples from five lakes across the valley.

“The discovery of invasive mussels so close to B.C. reinforces the importance of monitoring and continuing our prevention efforts,” Lisa Scott, executive director of OASISS said. “The arrival of invasive mussels would have lasting negative impacts to our lakes and rivers, as we have seen in other parts of Canada and the U.S.”

OASISS recognizes the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, and the Province of British Columbia for making significant financial contributions to support the invasive mussel monitoring project. These lake monitoring efforts support the province’s ongoing delivery of the Invasive Mussel Defence Program.

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To date, no invasive mussels have been detected in the province. Zebra and quagga mussels are non-native freshwater mollusks that are originally from Eastern Europe and Western Russia. They were originally introduced to Canada in the late 1980s and since then, have spread into lakes and waterways around North America, mainly by contaminated watercraft.

In regions where they have already established, invasive mussels damage sensitive ecosystems, clog water intake pipes and water infrastructure, ruin beaches, reduce water quality and impact tourism. The mussels can affix to just about any surface.

Invasive mussels (File photo 166629195 © Heather Mcardle | Dreamstime.com)

The society encourages anyone travelling with a watercraft to clean, drain and dry their boat before entering a new water body. For more information on efforts to prevent invasive mussels from reaching BC waters click here.