Moncton, New Brunswick - Since last summer's detection of Zebra Mussels in Lake Temiscouata, Quebec, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and its provincial, municipal, non-governmental and Indigenous partners have been closely monitoring New Brunswick's lakes and rivers for any new presence of the aquatic invasive species (AIS).
Some water samples taken from the Saint John River, N.B., were analyzed for environmental DNA (eDNA) by DFO over the summer. These samples suggested the presence of Zebra Mussels, notably in the areas of Edmundston, Grand Falls and Nackawic, N.B.
Recently, collective monitoring efforts in these areas led to the sighting of live Zebra Mussels along a hydroelectric dam in Edmundston. The dam is located on New Brunswick's Madawaska River, about 40 kilometres downstream from Lake Temiscouata. DFO confirmed that the specimens collected at the dam by the Société d'aménagement de la rivière Madawaska (SARM) in late August, 2023, are Zebra Mussels. This marks the first confirmed observation of this aquatic invasive species in N.B. waters.
Once established, Zebra Mussels can have negative impacts on freshwater habitats. They are particularly harmful to native mussels, many of which are species at risk. Zebra Mussels monopolize their food, such as plankton, and attach themselves to native mussels, suffocating them. Every year, Zebra Mussels cause millions of dollars in damage in Canada by clogging intake structures in power stations and water treatment plants, and by damaging boats.
Thanks to the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund, a new contribution fund launched earlier this year, DFO is supporting the Organisme de bassin versant du fleuve Saint-Jean (OBVFSJ) and its partners in the implementation of an Action Plan to limit the spread of Zebra Mussels throughout the Saint John River watershed.
The Action Plan, which is a collaborative effort between stakeholders in Quebec and New Brunswick, will map areas that are most vulnerable to the presence of Zebra Mussels and ensure that a network of boat washing stations is set up in key locations. These stations will teach boaters how to stop the spread of Zebra Mussels by cleaning, draining and drying their watercraft. In addition, a public education and awareness campaign on best practices to control the spread of this aquatic invasive species will be launched.
The introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species is a significant and rapidly growing threat globally, nationally and locally. In New Brunswick, close collaboration between the federal government and the provincial government is key to ensuring the effective control and management of aquatic invasive species and to conserve and protect fish and fish habitat across the province.
We ask the public to be vigilant, learn how to prevent the spread of Zebra Mussels, and report any sightings of this aquatic invasive species to DFO or the New Brunswick Invasive Species Council (NBISC). Consumption of Zebra Mussels is not recommended.
