By Alex Mutch| December 13, 2024
In 2024, ISCBC staff sampled 12 Cariboo lakes for invasive Zebra and Quagga mussels (genus Dreissena) every month from June to September. These lakes were selected for monitoring from a priority list provided by the Province of B.C. The waterbodies are selected based on a combination of risk of introduction and risk of establishment for invasive mussels. This is directly informed by data collected through the Provincial watercraft inspection stations and other variables such as water chemistry.
This was the seventh year of partnering with HCTF and the Province in their Invasive Mussel Monitoring Program, and the number of lakes chosen for sampling has steadily increased each year. In 2024 the sampled lakes were: Bridge Lake, Canim Lake, Deka Lake, Dragon Lake, Green Lake, Horse Lake, Horsefly Lake, Lac des Roches, Lac la Hache, Quesnel Lake, Sheridan Lake, and Williams Lake.
Sampling is a vital part of the Provincial Invasive Mussel Defence Program, which aims to keep B.C. lakes free of invasive mussels. You may have even seen us taking samples with our specialized plankton tow nets!
Samples were collected from the net after being towed through the water, and water PH levels were measured. The samples were preserved and sent to a designated provincial lab to check for free-floating mussel larvae.
The results are in – we are happy to report there were no detections of zebra or quagga mussels in any of these Cariboo lakes! This is welcome news, as once invasive mussels become established, they are incredibly difficult to eradicate.
This sampling project builds on our work from 2023 where we sampled 11 moderate to high-risk lakes. ISCBC continues to ensure that invasive mussels don’t find their way to B.C., but we need everyone’s help!
You can help prevent the spread of invasive species from your watercraft and gear by practicing Clean, Drain, Dry. Follow these three easy steps:
- Clean plants, animals and mud from your boat and gear.
- Drain all water from your boat and gear onto land. Pull the plug! It is now illegal to transport your watercraft with the drain plug still in place in BC
- Dry all parts of your boat and gear completely.
Please report ALL sightings of zebra or quagga mussels to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline: 1-877-952-7277. When bringing your boat from out-of-province, contact the Provincial Program to determine the risk. If your boat is considered high-risk, it will be decontaminated free of charge before accessing B.C.’s lakes and rivers.
ISCBC recognizes the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation for making significant financial contributions to support the invasive mussel monitoring program. Partnerships are key to conserving B.C.’s wildlife, fish, and their habitats.
Alex Mutch is an invasive species coordinator at ISCBC. He values inclusivity and strives to create equitable and inviting environments in all the communities he is a part of. In his spare time, Alex enjoys playing volleyball, hiking, reading, and solving Rubik’s cubes. You can reach Alex at amutch@bcinvasives.ca.
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