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!