To support government’s efforts to prevent invasive species, British Columbia’s chief veterinarian has issued an order making it illegal to transport watercraft in British Columbia with the drain plug still in place, as of May 17, 2024.

The Province, BC Hydro and conservation organizations are increasing efforts to protect local waterways and keep invasive mussels out of B.C.

Aerial spray treatments will be done on Vancouver Island and Salt Spring Island in spring 2024 to eradicate invasive spongy moths and minimize the risk they pose to forests, farms, orchards and trees.

Aerial spray treatments will be done in the Lower Mainland and three locations in the southern Interior in spring 2024 to eradicate spongy moths and minimize the risk they pose to forests, farms, orchards and trees.

The Province is removing invasive smallmouth bass from Echo Lake near Campbell River to protect native species and restore aquatic ecosystems.

(Steveston Harbour, British Columbia)  From Fisheries and Oceans Canada  

Indigenous governments, communities and businesses are increasing their food sovereignty and food security through projects that strengthen their food systems and success within the agriculture and food sector.

When staff at B.C.’s Invasive Mussel Defence Program were notified that a high-risk watercraft heading for the Lower Mainland appeared to be covered in invasive zebra mussels, inspectors with the Conservation Officer Service (COS) immediately took action.

Josie Osborne, Minister of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship, and Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forests, have released the following joint statement during Invasive Species Action Month:

The B.C. government will conduct aerial spray treatments and one ground treatment in six specific Lower Mainland locations this spring.