Pressure is growing to prevent a potentially devastating species from moving to the Okanagan.
The Regional District of North Okanagan board will write the federal government to initiate measures to stop the spread of zebra and quagga mussels.
“They are the only ones who can mandate border inspections. We want a date for action,” said director Rob Sawatzky.
Support for tough measures is also being sought from the Union of B.C. Municipalities.
Both mussels are native to eastern Europe and they have spread across North America since the 1980s.
These mussels clog water intake pipes, pumps and boat motors. They also deplete food sources for fish and produce toxins that kill fish and birds and contaminate drinking water.
“Every female can have a million offspring in a year,” said Heather Larratt, an aquatic biologist working with the Okanagan Basin Water Board.
Based on the potential impact to drinking water infrastructure, fisheries, tourism and real estate values, Larratt believes the mussels could cost the Okanagan $43 million annually.
“If we were to compare it to milfoil (weed), it would be like comparing dandelions to mountain pine beetle,” she said.
Larratt says there is a need to inspect boats coming across the U.S. border and it’s essential for boaters to take the necessary steps to ensure they aren’t transporting the mussels in their boats.
She also says there may be a need for local decontamination stations.
“The clock is ticking. We may have a few years (before they arrive) but we need to get going,” said Larratt.
Director Juliette Cunningham isn’t impressed with the provincial government’s response to the potential threat.
“Fining people (money) after the infestation is too late,” she said.
“We need to focus on preventative aspects.”
RDNO is also looking at what it can do at local boat launches to create public awareness.
“Even a paddleboard or kayak can bring the species in,” said director Mike Macnabb.
Director Mary-Jo O’Keefe wants the 2014 budget talks to consider funding for a mussel strategy.
“Eventually we will need a boat cleaner,” she said.
