Conservation officer blitz finds zebra mussels in moss balls
B.C. conservation officers blitzed hundreds of aquatic pet and plant stores over the weekend searching for invasive zebra mussels in moss balls.
In a statement, the Conservation Officer Service reported finding the mussels at several of the 600 locations visited across the province. No specific number was provided.
The Invasive Species Council of B.C. sent out a warning on Sunday to aquarium owners that zebra mussels had been found in moss balls widely distributed by a Washington company. The moss balls are species of green algae typically purchased for aquariums to improve water quality. They can be ordered online.
“Zebra mussels pose a major threat if released into a B.C. waterway,” the Conservation Officer Service said. “The tiny mussels can wreak havoc on aquatic ecosystems, salmon populations, hydro power stations and other facilities because they multiply rapidly and are extremely difficult to eradicate.”
The service said it “is investigating how widespread the problem of mussel-infested moss balls may be in the province.
“This includes notifying stores that may potentially have contaminated moss balls and advising them of disposal options. Any contaminated moss balls have been seized.”
Anyone who finds zebra mussels can call the Report All Poachers and Polluters hotline at 1-877-9527277.
Moss balls should be removed and put into a sealed plastic bag and frozen, or can be boiled for a minute before being put in a sealed bag in the garbage.
The service is working with Environment Ministry scientists, Canadian and U.S. officials, industry retailers and distributors to help prevent any potential spread of invasive zebra mussels. There has been no reported introduction of live zebra mussels into B.C. lakes or waterways.