Invasive mussel program receives funding boost from BC Hydro

The province announced that BC Hydro will be investing into the program for the next five years, at $900,000 a year.

British Columbia’s ongoing battle to prevent mussel infestation received a seven-figure boost this week.

On Tuesday, the province announced that BC Hydro will be investing into the program for the next five years, at $900,000 a year.

The goal of the Invasive Mussel Defence Program is to prevent invasive mussels from entering B.C. waters via watercraft inspection stations and early detection monitoring.

BC Hydro’s funding will start this year. The program will also receive $150,00 from the BC Wildlife Federation, the Pacific Salmon Foundation and the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation.

“I welcome the support from BC Hydro and our conservation partners as we continue the crucial work of keeping our waterways free of invasive mussels,” said Nathan Cullen, B.C.’s minister of land and water.

“The province has made fighting invasive mussels a priority and we will keep taking action alongside our partners and communities.”

According to the province, this week’s financial investments join ongoing contributions also made by the Columbia Basin Trust, Columbia Power and FortisBC.

“While substantial action is underway to protect B.C. waterways from invasive mussels, the government of B.C. continues to advocate to the federal government to resume funding this vital program,” said the province.