Aquatic Invasive Species.
Aquatic invasive species are animals, plants, or pathogens that are present in a waterbody outside of their natural range. Just like on land, aquatic invasives can quickly take over, as they do not have any natural predators to limit their population size. This unchecked growth poses a significant threat to our natural water bodies.
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The impacts aquatic invasive species pose on invaded waterbodies can be far reaching. Such as:
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Altering food webs and nutrient availability
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Reducing habitat quality and causing biodiversity loss
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Negatively impacting commercial, recreational, and First Nations fisheries
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Damaging human infrastructure such as water intakes, hydroelectric stations, and docks
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Harming recreational activity
Human activity is a primary reason why invasive aquatic species spread. The movement of species that are present in boat ballast water, plants and animals that cling to boats and other equipment, and the release of unwanted pets into waterbodies are all causes of aquatic invasive species. It is up to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, remember to always CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY and DON'T LET IT LOOSE!
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Zebra + Quagga Mussels
(Dreissena polymorpha and D. bugensis)
Zebra and Quagga are freshwater mussels that have invaded the Great Lakes region of Canada and many of the eastern United States. They are much smaller than our native freshwater mussels, allowing them to easily clog up water intake valves, cover docks and floating structures, and cling to boats and paddle boards. If they were introduced to BC waterbodies, the impacts to our freshwater ecosystems would be devastating.
We depend on hydroelectric infrastructure for much of our energy production, the tiny mussels could wreak havoc with these systems, costing millions each year to keep them clear. They can have far reaching impacts across lake food webs, as they remove many of the small microscopic organisms that form the basis of the food chain for fish and other species. Not only is this devastating to our ecosystems but it could negatively impact commercial, recreational, and First Nations fisheries that are dependent on healthy fish populations. Invasive mussels can cover docks, floating surfaces, and beaches with their hard, sharp shells that easily can cut feet and hands, negatively impacting how people can safely use waterbodies.
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If Zebra or Quagga mussels were introduced to BC waterbodies, they would cause significant environmental, economic, and social harm. And once the mussels have been introduced, they are almost impossible to get rid of!
Through the support of the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation and B.C Ministry of Environment, EKISC is helping to keep BC lakes free from invasive mussels. We monitor numerous high use lakes in the region throughout the summer to ensure early detection of this high priority species.
EKISC is committed to keeping invasive mussels out of BC waterbodies, and are grateful for the opportunity to work with the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation and B.C Ministry of Environment on such an important initiative.
Whirling Disease
Whirling disease is an infectious disease of finfish. It is caused by a parasite called Myxobolus cerebralis, which belongs to a group of microscopic parasites in the Class Myxosporea.
There is no treatment for whirling disease. Once introduced, the elimination of the parasite in wild finfish populations is not usually possible.
Whirling disease is not a health risk for humans or pets. The parasite that causes whirling disease does not affect humans or animals other than finfish, such as trout and salmon. There is no risk associated with swimming or eating fish caught from infected waters.
Whirling disease can cause death in the younger life stages of susceptible freshwater finfish. Overall deaths of infected young fish can reach 90%.
Affected finfish may exhibit any of the following signs:
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behaviour
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whirling swimming pattern
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appearance
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skeletal deformities of the body or head, for example, shortening of the mandible and indentations on the top of the head
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tail may appear dark or even black
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SIGNS OF WHIRLING DISEASE
FOUND IN BC - Confirmed December 6 2023 - Yoho and Kootenay National Parks | Columbia Watershed
BEST PRACTICES FOR PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF WHIRLING DISEASE
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Never move fish or fish parts from one waterbody to another.
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Use fish cleaning stations where available or put fish parts in the local solid waste system. Do not dispose of fish or any fish parts in a kitchen garburator.
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Clean, Drain and Dry boats or any equipment (waders, life jackets, kayaks, etc.) before moving between waterbodies.
Keep an eye open + report these Aquatic Invasive Species
What you can do!
Water-based recreation activities, like angling and boating can spread aquatic invasive species to new locations. Plants, animals, and microscopic creatures can cling to clothing, equipment, and boats. If our gear, clothing, and boats are not cleaned before entering or leaving an area, these species can be introduced into new bodies of water. In addition, the intentional or accidental release of these species from garden ponds and aquariums is a primary pathway of introduction.
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Think ahead when planning an outing on the water. Ask yourself:​
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When entering and departing the water, is my boat, trailer, and other equipment clean of aquatic debris?
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What are the local aquatic invasive plants I should be aware of?
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If I spot an aquatic invasive plant, do I know who to alert?