A week after discovering invasive mussels sold in a pet store in Terrace, B.C. conservation officers have inspected more than 600 retail stores in the provinces.
In addition to the ones found in Terrace last week, the B.C. Conservation Officer Service has discovered an additional instance of the invasive mussels, in Invermere.
Additionally, the government of B.C. announced March 9 that zebra mussels in moss balls were found in the Lower Mainland.
91裸聊视频淧eople have also reported finding the mussel-infested moss balls in their aquariums across western Canada and several U.S. states,91裸聊视频� states the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
Last week, the B.C. CO Service was notified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that the invasive Zebra mussels were being sold at Petco in Seattle. As Petco is associated with other suppliers in Canada such as Pet Smart, this triggered a large response by conservation officers.
READ MORE: Aquarium users in B.C. warned after invasive mussels found at pet store
91裸聊视频淲e91裸聊视频檙e hitting them, and hitting them hard,91裸聊视频� said Sgt. Josh Lockwood with the BC Conservation Officer Service.
On March 10, a woman called the CO Service from Invermere, saying she found some Zebra Mussels within a product she ordered online. However, Lockwood confirmed none of the mussels have been found in stores in the Okanagan, to date.
Zebra Mussels have been known to populate and take over freshwater bodies of water, sucking the nutrients from them and depriving native species of food. One female can have up to one million babies a year. They are prohibited in Western Canada.
In places like Osoyoos, the introduction of these invasive mussels could massively impact the salmon run.
Other bodies of water like Lake Winnipeg (Manitoba), Lake Mead (Nevada), Paradise Lake (Arizona), where the mussels have already set up shop, have been drastically affected. One can91裸聊视频檛 visit the beach in bare feet, because there are too many razor-sharp shells, Lockwood explained.
He further explained the mussels have a huge impact on tourism, water, agriculture, hydro, power - something that would cost B.C. about $42 million per year if they reach provincial waters.
91裸聊视频淭hey91裸聊视频檙e almost impossible to eradicate, that91裸聊视频檚 the problem,91裸聊视频� said Lockwood. 91裸聊视频淭his is a concern to everybody so we91裸聊视频檙e trying to stop the importation of these into the country.91裸聊视频�
Those who think they have found a Zebra mussel should also contact the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277. Proper disposal includes placing the mussels in a plastic bag for 24 hours, then boil them for a minute, then place them back into the bag once they91裸聊视频檝e cooled, and dispose of them in the trash.
Another instance of invasive species being introduced in B.C. has affected residents and recreation near Summerland.
Beginning April 1 and until further notice, Garnet Lake in Summerland will be closed to angling. The reason for the provincial government91裸聊视频檚 announcement is the illegal introduction of large-mouth bass into the lake.
READ MORE:
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: phil.mclachlan@kelownacapnews.com
Like us on and follow us on .
