OBWB calls for bolstering of invasive mussel protection

The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) is calling of the B.C. government to bolster the Invasive Mussel Program (IMP).

The call comes as boating season approaches and COVID-19 restrictions are being eased.

As 2022 is expected to be see increased tourism and visitors to the lake, the OBWB has sent a letter to George Heyman, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, with a lost of six calls to action.

• Maintain IMDP core program funding at 2021 levels of minimum $3.5-million a year, adjusted for inflation;
• Introduce ‘pull-the-plug’ legislation, requiring watercraft to remove drain plugs prior to travelling on B.C. roads;
• Review and update the 2014 Early Detection, Rapid Release Plan for invasive mussels and provide a window for public consultation;
• Provide toolkits and resources for local governments to conduct vulnerability assessments and put mitigation measures in place like retrofitting in-water infrastructure;
• Introduce legislation to require all out-of-province watercraft to be inspected prior to being launched in B.C. waters;
• Provide additional funding to invasive species groups in high-risk regions for monitoring, outreach and education;