A boat inspector looking for invasive mussels.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED - OBWB-OkWaterWise

In an effort to prevent the spread of invasive species, the provincial government is making it illegal to transport watercraft with the drain plugs still in place.

The new measure is headed by B.C.’s chief veterinarian and will take effect tomorrow, May 17, according to a press release from the provincial government.

“This order is part of our ongoing actions to contain and prevent further spread of whirling disease and keep invasive mussels out of B.C. waterways,” Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Nathan Cullen said in the release.

“Beginning May 17, 2024, boat operators in British Columbia are required to pull the plug before moving a boat or any equipment between water bodies.”

Prior to transporting any boats or other water crafts the owner or operator should clean, drain and dry all equipment. Cleaning and drying equipment applies to trailers, lifejackets, paddles, coolers and anything else used in the water.

Everything should be dried for 24 hours before transport.

READ MORE: BC fish face new threat from microscopic parasite as government funding dries up

The ministry said everything should be cleaned on dry land away from storm drains, ditches, and waterways. The government also wants people to remove mud, sand, and plant materials from boats before they leave shore.

The government is trying to prevent the spread of invasive mussels like zebra and quagga mussels, and spores that transport whirling disease.

READ MORE: Newly announced federal funding won't prevent the spread of invasive mussels in BC

The first case of whirling disease in B.C. was confirmed in Yoho National Park in December 2023.

“Urgent action is needed to protect communities and wildlife from whirling disease and invasive mussels, and that’s what we’re doing,” Minister of Environment George Heyman said in the release.

“We cannot allow the introduction of these threats to the ecosystems that support families, industries, First Nations and communities.”

The province’s invasive mussel defence program sets up inspection stations to ensure boats have been properly cleaned, dried, and are free of any invasive mussels. These inspection stations are set up around the province between April and October.

“We’re very happy to see the province answer our call for pull-the-plug regulations. One litre of water can carry 9,000 invasive mussel larvae. So, this is an important step forward, while the Okanagan Basin Water Board continues to push for additional action, especially federal funding. In the meantime, this is a tangible way boaters can help protect the waterways they love to visit and play in,” chair of the Okanagan Basin Water Board Blair Ireland said in the release.

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