A British Columbia agency that is calling for a ban on all watercraft from out of province says the move isn’t meant to target prairie boaters. Instead, it is intended to protect the province’s waterways from invasive mussels until the provincial government improves the inspection system.  |  File photo

Stricter restrictions wanted for mussels

British Columbia’s Okanagan Basin Water Board has renewed calls for a ban on all out-of-province watercraft, following the discovery of invasive quagga mussels in neighbouring Idaho. James Littley, OBWB deputy administrator, said an inspection system is in place but if inspection stations are closed, “anybody can come in from anywhere and launch boats in the […] Read more

Alberta uses its ongoing surveillance program to prevent zebra and quagga mussels from entering the province’s waterways and irrigation infrastructure.  |  File photo

Invasive mussel alert in Idaho raises concern in Alberta

Idaho state officials have activated a rapid response plan after invasive quagga mussels were found on the Snake River near Twin Falls. State officials warn the invasive mussels threaten the Columbia River basin, which runs across the Pacific Northwest including British Columbia. Related stories on this issue: Mussels close in on Alberta irrigation district Pink […] Read more