Federal government invests in mussel protections for B.C.

Feb 15, 2024 | 11:20 AM Liam Verster

The federal government is investing in additional protections against invasive mussel species in B.C.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is providing up to $540,000 for the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund to be used to bolster the province’s Invasive Mussel Defence Program (IMDF), which works to keep invasive zebra and quagga mussels out of B.C.’s waterways.

The DFO also committed $90,000 to purchase two new decontamination trailers. These will be used to support the IMDP watercraft decontamination efforts, as well as act as educational tools to remind the public of the importance of cleaning, draining and drying watercraft to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

“Our government is committed to ensuring the protection of Canadian waterways and their biodiversity from destructive aquatic invasive species,” Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard, said.

“Providing contribution funding to recipients like the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) will allow for specialized research and partnerships that aim to stop invasive species, including zebra and quagga mussels.”

The funding comes after multiple calls for additional invasive mussel protection investments, as well as a call for a moratorium on all out of province vessels, due to the ongoing quagga mussel outbreak in Idaho’s Snake River, which is a tributary to the Columbia basin.

“HCTF acknowledges the timely funding from DFO for invasive zebra and quagga mussels as they are present just outside our B.C. borders and would significantly harm B.C.’s freshwater species and habitats,” Dan Buffett, CEO of the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, stated.

“These funds will support many local stewardship groups that monitor over 65 water bodies to support the provincial Invasive Mussel Defense Program.”

The new funding adds to the DFO’s commitment in May of 2023 to provide $8.75-million over five years for the newly created Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund, which financially supports projects and partnerships to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species.

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