Photo: File photo
B.C.B.C.
The water board sent a note to the minister earlier this year, requesting that he implement a series of calls to stop quagga or zebra mussels infesting B.C. waterways.
George Heyman replied by saying that the province is working hard to maintain funding at $3.5 Million for the Invasive Musssel Defence Program.
He stated that the province has not yet implemented a requirement to inspect all watercraft entering the region.
Heyman states that such measures are “very difficult to enforce”. He wants to prioritise outreach and education and optimize the perimeter defense approach.
He is willing to explore the possibility of legislation “pulling the plug” for vessels.
He says that Fisheries and Oceans Canada has committed $100,000 to the 2022 season and $250,000 to the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries.
Federal funding for mussel monitoring in regional invasive species groups ends March 2023.
“The B.C. “The B.C. Heyman stated that negotiations are underway to renew agreements and funding partners that have expired this year.
“We are happy that Fisheries and Oceans Canada has joined as a partner in funding, with a $100,000 commitment towards the 2022 season. I also wish to acknowledge the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries for its own commitment of $250,000 for the coming season in recognition of the severity of a potential infestation to B.C.’s farming and fishery interests.”
There are many inspection stations all along B.C.In early April, several inspection stations along B.C.’s eastern border will be operational. The peak boating season program operations are still being confirmed.
Federal authorities are currently working with the prairie provinces to create a response management plan following the discovery last year of mussels in Lake Manitoba.
This is where the mussels are found. Manitoba has now established a program in which watercraft that leave infested lakes must be decontaminated before they can launch in other waters.
A report to water board directors states, “As the province continues be reluctant to implement mandatory inspectors for out of provincial watercraft,” Okanagan local governments may be able to limit local lake access sites to both in-province watercraft and out-ofprovince watercraft that have evidence of inspection through the provincial IMPD programme.
The possibility of the directors being involved in this discussion is expected to be discussed at their next meeting.
