Canadian angler and conservation club/associations have been working diligently to keep the spread of invasive zebra mussels and Quagga mussels out of our waterbodies. The spread of these invasive species has raised havoc on our waterbodies and native fish species.
Zebra mussels have caused millions of dollars of damage to Canadian water infrastructure, including irrigation canals and equipment, water treatment plants and equipment, fish habitat and even our beaches.
ZEBRA MUSSELS ARRIVING FROM OVERSEAS IN MOSS BALLS
Originating in Ukraine, and traveling all the way to North America, on March 5, 2021, live zebra mussels were found in a shipment of aquarium moss balls entering Canada from the U.S to a Calgary aquarium distributor. The province of Alberta has done an incredible job keeping zebra mussels and quagga mussels out of Alberta waterbodies through the Aquatic Invasive Species Program. The program ensures proper legislation is in place and focuses on education, monitoring, inspections, and response.
The Aquatic Invasive Species Conservation K-9 Program assists at the boat launches and inspection stations. However, finding zebra mussels through an aquarium and an aquarium equipment distributor is a new battle-field. This war has to be monitored by both Canada and the U.S. aquarium distributors, pet stores, and even florist shops and distributors. Moss balls are often used in a variety of plants and florist arrangements.
The most common way to discard water from a flower arrangement that is no longer beautiful and full of life is to pour the water down the drain and throw the flowers in the compost. This will be a recipe for disaster!
The Aquatic Invasive Species Unit and K-9 Program in Alberta have worked tirelessly with aquarium equipment distributors and florist stores to educate and discard any contaminated products and equipment. Pet store owners and employees across Canada have now entered the battle to keep zebra mussels contained and/or prevent the spread of this tiny but damaging invasive species. At the time of this writing, zebra mussels have been found in moss balls in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and more than 34 U.S states.
THE BATTLE HAS ONLY BEGUN
If you’re an aquarium owner, you have also entered into the fight against zebra mussels. Moss balls purchased after January 1, 2021, should be frozen for a minimum of 24-hours or boiled, then placed in a sealable plastic bag before being thrown into the trash. Do not under any circumstances wash them down the sink, flush them down the toilet, or pour the water down a storm drain. This also goes for flowers and plant water. Aquariums that contain moss balls that have been purchased before January 1, 2021, should be monitored closely for the growth of any species.
Please, do your research and due diligence to help keep this little but devastating invasive species at bay. Learn more here.