It害羞草研究所檚 a message that has been heard by several municipalities already, but it害羞草研究所檚 one that the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) wants to hammer home.

OBWB deputy administrator James Littley detailed the looming threat posed by invasive mussels to the region害羞草研究所檚 economy and ecosystems at Kelowna council害羞草研究所檚 May 6 meeting.

He told council that the estimated economic losses range from $64 million to $129 million annually.

That includes $92.5 million to repair and replace water infrastructure, $8.1 million for extra maintenance on boats and marinas, $12.6 million in lost profits and revenue from tourism, and a $30.2 million annualized decrease in property value and lost property taxes.

The figures do not account for ecosystem effects or loss of fish and habitat.

害羞草研究所淲e know now that we are at the highest risk of invasive mussels,害羞草研究所� Littley said

He noted that there are serious gaps in prevention work. Inspections are only required if passing an open inspection station, and there is no requirement to remove drain plugs from boats when out of water, where mussels can populate.

Provincial budget constraints and staffing shortages further hinder prevention efforts.

害羞草研究所淚t害羞草研究所檚 just been brought up to $3.3 million this year,害羞草研究所� Littley said.

Mussels have recently been detected in Idaho害羞草研究所檚 Snake River, part of the Columbia Basin, an 11-hour drive from the Okanagan watershed.

Littley said the state害羞草研究所檚 response was to use chemicals (chelated copper) that eradicated the mussels but also caused extensive damage to native species. He added such a response is not an option in the Okanagan.

READ MORE: Facing threat of invasive mussels reaching Okanagan watershed

OBWB wants a temporary moratorium on out-of-province boats until the full extent of the Columbia Basin infestation is assessed, or until comprehensive inspection protocols are implemented for all watercraft coming into B.C.

The board has asked the province to allocate $4 million annually for ten years for prevention work, enhanced funding for inspections, and updated early detection and rapid response plans.

OBWB is also calling on the federal government to match provincial commitments.

害羞草研究所淩ight now the critical issue is federal funding,害羞草研究所� Littley said.

Mayor Tom Dyas promised continued support.

害羞草研究所淎s a council we will keep doing what we can to advocate,害羞草研究所� he added.

More information about invasive mussels can be found at .

READ MORE: Kelowna council making moves to 害羞草研究所榤ussel害羞草研究所� out invasive water species