Press Release— September 5 2024
Invasive Mussels Detected in Aquarium Moss Balls in Washington, USA – Action Needed in the Columbia-Shuswap Region
The Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society (CSISS) is alerting the region to the recent detection of zebra mussels in aquarium moss balls in Washington, USA. Vigilance and proactive measures are needed to protect local ecosystems. Invasive mussels can cause severe damage to aquatic environments and result in significant economic costs.
Local Impact: Columbia-Shuswap Region
The discovery was made on August 5th, 2024, and promptly reported to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife by an aquarium company. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing risk posed by invasive mussels, which are not established in Washington or British Columbia. The potential introduction of zebra mussels into BC is estimated to cost between $64-129 million annually. The Columbia-Shuswap region, known for its beautiful lakes and rich biodiversity, is at risk. Zebra mussels pose a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems, salmon populations, hydro power stations, and other infrastructure. They reproduce rapidly and attach themselves to hard surfaces, making them extremely difficult to eradicate once established.
Prevention and Action
CSISS is urging all aquarium owners to take the following actions to help prevent the spread of zebra mussels.
- Inspect aquarium equipment. If you have purchased aquarium moss balls or other related equipment in the past year, carefully inspect them for signs of zebra mussels.
- Properly dispose of contaminated moss balls. Place the moss ball into a sealable plastic bag and freeze it for 24 hours, or put the moss ball in boiling water for one minute. After this, dispose of the moss ball and its packaging in a sealed plastic bag in the trash. Do not dispose of moss balls or aquarium water down the toilet or in the compost. For more information on moss ball disposal please visit: gov.bc.ca/invasivemussels
- Report sightings. If you observe any signs of zebra mussels, report them immediately to the BC Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line 1-877-952-RAPP (7277) or using the Report Invasives app which can be downloaded from: gov.bc.ca/invasivespecies.
- Practice responsible aquarium care. Never dump aquarium tank pets, plants, or water into any residential water system or waterway. Follow best practices for cleaning and disposing of aquarium water and equipment, for more information please visit: www.gov.bc.ca/invasivemussels.
Our Collective Responsibility
Preventing the spread of invasive species requires the collective effort of every community member. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, we can protect our local ecosystems and ensure that the Columbia-Shuswap region remains a pristine environment. For more information on zebra mussels please visit the CSISS Website at https://columbiashuswapinvasives.org”https://columbiashuswapinvasives.org and www.gov.bc.ca/invasivemussels and to report invasive species please visit: www.gov.bc.ca/invasivespecies .
For media inquiries or more information, please contact: info@columbiashuswapinvasivespecies.org
Robyn Hooper, Executive Director
The Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society is a charitable non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention, management and reduction of invasive species in the Columbia Shuswap Regional District. CSISS acknowledges the financial support of: the Province of British Columbia (through the Ministry of Forests, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, BC Parks and the Community Gaming Grant); the Columbia Shuswap Regional District; The Forest Enhancement Society of BC, the Columbia Basin Trust, the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (Invasive Mussel Lake Monitoring Grant and Community Grant); The Nature Trust of BC; The City of Salmon Arm; Parks Canada; BC Hydro (including Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program and Broad Impact Grant); the Shuswap Watershed Council; Employment and Social Development Canada (Canada Summer Jobs); Eco Canada (Environmental Pathways and Science Horizons Wage Subsidies); the City of Revelstoke; the Golden Rod and Gun Club; the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail; and Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) Green Jobs Initiative (funded by Government of Canada through Parks Canada, as part of their commitment to the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy program). We acknowledge the in kind support and partnership with several other organizations across the region.
To learn more about invasive species in the Columbia Shuswap region please visit: http://www.columbiashuswapinvasives.org
