Close X
Thursday, December 26, 2024
ADVT 
National

Homebound Snowbirds Oblivious Potential Carriers Of Aquatic Invasive Species

The Canadian Press, 20 Jan, 2015 02:52 PM
    RICHMOND, B.C. — Experts are warning that flocks of older Canadians who tow pleasure boats south each winter to sunny U.S. destinations threaten to bring home an environmental and economic calamity.
     
    Unassuming snowbirds are the primary potential couriers of the two aquatic invasive species most feared by Western provinces: zebra and quagga mussels.
     
    A conference in Richmond, B.C., has convened experts from across Canada and the globe to discuss tackling the spread of the invasive freshwater mollusk before it wreaks more harm.
     
    Barry Gibbs, chair of the Invasive Species Council of B.C., is advocating for the passage of federal regulations that would give Canada's border agents the power to inspect and quarantine boats returning from contaminated waters.
     
    He says B.C. currently relies on a loose collaboration with Idaho state authorities to identify and intercept vessels that may be unwittingly transporting the invasive creatures.
     
    Zebra and quagga mussels not only pose risks to fishing and biodiversity but are also known to clog pipes and cause major problems for hydroelectricity and irrigation infrastructure.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    One Winning Ticket For $35-million Jackpot In Saturday Night's Lotto 6-49

    One Winning Ticket For $35-million Jackpot In Saturday Night's Lotto 6-49
    TORONTO — There was one winning ticket for the $35-million jackpot in Saturday's Lotto 6-49 draw.

    One Winning Ticket For $35-million Jackpot In Saturday Night's Lotto 6-49

    Palestinians Protest Baird's Visit By Hurling Eggs And Shoes At His Convoy

    Palestinians Protest Baird's Visit By Hurling Eggs And Shoes At His Convoy
    RAMALLAH, Palestinian Territory — Dozens of Palestinian protesters hurled eggs and shoes at the convoy of the visiting Canadian foreign minister Sunday in a show of defiance toward Canada's perceived pro-Israel stance.

    Palestinians Protest Baird's Visit By Hurling Eggs And Shoes At His Convoy

    How Prepared Is Ontario To Take Back Its Old Job As Canada's Economic Engine?

    How Prepared Is Ontario To Take Back Its Old Job As Canada's Economic Engine?
    OTTAWA — Inside his humming facility on the outskirts of Ottawa, Mark Perry's operation pumps out specialized plastic products — everything from patented storm-drain basins to giant toy guns for water parks.

    How Prepared Is Ontario To Take Back Its Old Job As Canada's Economic Engine?

    What Could Canada Do To Mute U.S. Opposition To Keystone? Nothing, Opponents Say

    What Could Canada Do To Mute U.S. Opposition To Keystone? Nothing, Opponents Say
    WASHINGTON — The American environmental organizations fighting the Keystone XL pipeline say there's no climate-change plan Canada could possibly adopt that would make them back down.

    What Could Canada Do To Mute U.S. Opposition To Keystone? Nothing, Opponents Say

    Bank CEOs Say Their Caribbean Operations Stand To Benefit From Cheaper Oil

    Bank CEOs Say Their Caribbean Operations Stand To Benefit From Cheaper Oil
    TORONTO — A combination of lower oil prices and cost-cutting is poised to help improve the Caribbean operations of some of Canada's biggest banks, a region where they have struggled for years.

    Bank CEOs Say Their Caribbean Operations Stand To Benefit From Cheaper Oil

    Harsh Weather, Heavy Winds Lead To Power Outages Across British Columbia

    Harsh Weather, Heavy Winds Lead To Power Outages Across British Columbia
    VANCOUVER — Harsh weather and strong winds knocked out power in thousands of homes across British Columbia on Sunday.

    Harsh Weather, Heavy Winds Lead To Power Outages Across British Columbia