An invasive mussel inspection station (photo courtesy of the Okanagan Basin Water Board)

By Liam Verster

Invasive Species Protection

Pulling the plug: Province makes it illegal to bring watercraft into B.C. without being drained

May 16, 2024 | 4:35 PM

The B.C. government is taking steps to prevent invasive species from entering the province’s waterways.

Effective Friday, May 17, it will be illegal to transport watercraft across the borders and into British Columbia with the drain plug still in place.

“This order is part of our ongoing actions to contain and prevent further spread of whirling disease and keep invasive mussels out of B.C. waterways,” Nathan Cullen, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, stated.

“Beginning May 17, boat operators in British Columbia are required to pull the plug before moving a boat or any equipment between water bodies.”

The regulation, issued by B.C.’s Chief Veterinarian in an effort to prevent the spread of invasive species, will require people transporting a boat or other watercraft to remove drain plugs and fully drain water from all vessels on dry land before entering the province. This includes emptying water out of all internal compartments, such as ballasts, bilges and live wells.

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Along with pulling the plug, people entering B.C. are advised to clean, drain and dry all watercraft, trailers and equipment, such as life jackets, paddles and coolers, on dry land and away from storm water drains, ditches and waterways. Vessels should also be left to dry for a minimum of 24 hours before entering new waters.

“We’re very happy to see the province answer our call for pull-the-plug regulations,” Blair Ireland, chair of the Okanagan Basin Water Board, stated.

“One litre of water can carry 9,000 invasive mussel larvae. So, this is an important step forward, while the Okanagan Basin Water Board continues to push for additional action, especially federal funding. In the meantime, this is a tangible way boaters can help protect the waterways they love to visit and play in.”

The intent of the new laws are to reduce the risk of transporting invasive species or diseases from outside the province into local bodies of water.

“Urgent action is needed to protect communities and wildlife from whirling disease and invasive mussels, and that’s what we’re doing,” George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, said.

“We cannot allow the introduction of these threats to the ecosystems that support families, industries, First Nations and communities.”

The province’s Invasive Mussel Defence Program inspection stations are open until October to check incoming vessels for mussels and ensuring they have been fully drained before entering B.C.