Live populations of invasive Asian clams (Corbicula fluminea), were found in two locations of Shuswap Lake at Sunnybrae and Canoe Beach during a recent survey.
The survey was initiated in response to the discovery of dead Asian clam shells found on the beaches of Shuswap Lake in 2019, and conducted now as water levels are low enough to access the potential habitat for this species.
According to the Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society, this is the first confirmed presence of live Asian clams in the Shuswap.
“At Sunnybrae, we were finding around 20 clams per square metre of lake bed,” said Sue Davies, Aquatic Coordinator for the Society.
The Society is warning the public to clean, drain, and dry all gear and watercraft every time they leave a lake or river – even if relaunching somewhere else in Shuswap Lake.
“The larvae of this species are microscopic,” Davies said. “They could hitchhike in the smallest amount of water in your watercraft and survive to populate another lake.”
Members of the public are also asked to report any suspected invasive species via the provincial Report Invasives BC smartphone app or by calling the Report All Poachers and Polluters hotline 1-877-952-7277.
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