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If you have any questions on the information presented, or require additional report data or attachments, please contact the Report Contact
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Aquatic invasive species (AIS) pose a significant threat both economically and ecologically to waterbodies in the West Kootenay region of British Columbia.
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Author: Vogel, J.; Fraser, K.; Harkness, C.
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Old Reference Number: Fish Wildlife Compensation Program FWCP Columbia
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Old Reference System: F-F16-27
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Date Published: Jan 2016
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Report ID: 50901
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Audience: Government and Public
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Aquatic invasive species (AIS) pose a significant threat both economically and ecologically to waterbodies in the West Kootenay region of British Columbia. It is known that the aquatic invasive plants Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) and curlyleaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) are present throughout Kootenay Lake and the Columbia and Kootenay Rivers. In addition, there are confirmed populations of flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus), yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus) and purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) within the Pend D Oreille River on the American side of the border (note: yellow flag iris is confirmed throughout the Canadian portion of the Pend D Oreille River). Species such as zebra and quagga mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and D. rostriformis bugenis) have been detected in western states as close as Colorado and Utah and in Manitoba.
The popularity of the Kootenays as a recreational boating destination increases the potential risk of an accidental introduction of a number of high priority AIS. In addition, species already present within the region could easily be introduced to other waterbodies currently free of AIS. The public play an important role in preventing the introduction and spread of AIS. While knowledge and awareness of AIS is growing, it is essential to continue to educate the public on methods and behaviours to minimize impacts. A number of presentations and interviews were given to the general public and target audiences on identification, sampling and Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC) supported programs such as Clean, Drain, Dry (for boaters and anglers), and Don t Let it Loose (pet and aquarium trade).
In 2015, the Province launched their mandatory watercraft inspection program, and this program will continue in 2016. The CKISS and two other regional invasive species societies provided three additional mobile boatwash units for use within the Canadian Columbia Basin. Dedicated inspection crews inspected and completed decontaminations of mussel-infested boats as required.
Priority waterbodies within the region were surveyed and sampled for the presence of invasive aquatic plants and zebra and quagga mussels (ZQM). Substrate equipment used to detect the presence of juvenile and adult ZQM were inspected monthly from July through October. In total, 49 plankton samples were collected and analyzed for ZQM veligers from 17 waterbodies. Littoral surveys for invasive plants were conducted on Whatshan, Mosquito, Catherine, Nancy Greene, Staubert, Wilson, Little Wilson, Summit, Box, Upper Little Slocan, Fish, Bear, Cottonwood, Six Mile, Sasquatch, Rosebud and Erie Lakes as well as on the west-end of Trout Lake and the Tye Beach area of Kootenay Lake. High risk/use areas such as boat launches, marinas and fishing access sites were visited and surveyed on Slocan Lake, the Lower Columbia River and Arrow Lake south of Syringa Park to determine the presence or extent of AIS infestations in these systems.
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Report Type
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Fish and Aquatic Habitat Information |
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Subject
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Region - Kootenay |
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Vegetation - Aquatic Vegetation |
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