Whereas invasive zebra and quagga mussels pose a serious threat to watershed ecosystems, drinking water quality, infrastructure, tourism and the broader economy; And whereas the estimated cost of managing infrastructure impacts from an established invasive mussel population in British Columbia exceeds 129 million annually, including damage to pipes, docks, water intakes and watercraft; And whereas British Columbia remains one of the few jurisdictions in North America without an established invasive mussel population, making prevention both critical and cost-effective; And whereas existing watercraft inspection stations at provincial borders are limited by seasonality and staffing, leaving critical points of entry unmonitored and watersheds at continued risk: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Province of British Columbia to take immediate and direct action to prevent the introduction of invasive mussels by implementing mandatory watercraft inspection protocols to ensure no key entry points are left unmonitored.
