Why we should follow these steps to protect our water systems

By East Kootenay Invasive Species Council

Like many outdoor enthusiasts in the Kootenays, if you enjoy activities such as canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing, there are few things you should be doing to keep our water systems free from some of the most formidable aquatic invaders: Zebra and Quagga mussels (pictured above).

Originally native to the Black Sea in Europe, these invasive species have already caused significant damage in Canadian waters, with infestations in Ontario, Quebec, and Manitoba. These mussels meet all the criteria for invasive species, negatively impacting aquatic ecosystems, the economy, and human activities. Fortunately, our efforts to prevent their spread to the East Kootenay have been successful thus far, but it is vital for outdoor and recreation enthusiasts to remain vigilant about this threat.

The introduction of Zebra and Quagga mussels into freshwater habitats has severe consequences, hindering the natural biodiversity of native ecosystems that previously thrived. These invaders easily outcompete native species and alter the clarity of the water through their filter feeding process, which can change an aquatic environment enough to destroy an ecosystem.

Apart from environmental damage, managing established mussel populations can be exceptionally costly. Dealing with eradication methods and constantly cleaning off docks, boats, and other underwater equipment becomes an ongoing challenge. Additionally, these mussels can colonize swimming and recreational areas, posing a risk of sharp shells that can cause injuries to humans and pets alike.

Zebra and Quagga mussels are remarkably efficient invaders, with each female capable of producing up to a million eggs annually, which rapidly mature once hatched. Their ability to anchor onto almost any surface sets them apart from our native freshwater mussels, enabling them to form large clusters.

They can survive out of water for up to 30 days and have microscopic larvae that can survive in stillwater. As a result, they can easily hitch a ride as adults firmly attached to the underside of a boat or as larvae within any remaining still water in boats or equipment.

Fortunately, there is a straightforward mantra that outdoor enthusiasts can follow to prevent the spread of these invasive mussels from one lake to another: Clean Drain Dry. The East Kootenay Invasive Species Council urges you to protect our waters so we can remain invasive mussel free! This practice involves thoroughly rinsing your aquatic vessel, even if it appears clean, to remove any dirt and sediment.

It also entails draining any water that remains in your vessel or gear and ensuring that everything is completely dry before moving to your next location. By adhering to this simple procedure, we can effectively keep invasive species out of our beautiful lakes and water systems, thus avoiding the catastrophic impacts of Zebra and Quagga mussels.

The East Kootenay Invasive Species Council is a non-profit organization that builds partnerships and supports collaborative projects in natural and applied science, policy research, outreach and education to protect our forests, fields, gardens, waterways and cities from the damaging effects of invasive species. www.ekisc.com

Photos submitted

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