Image Credit: Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society

By James Peters

Invasive Species

Invasive Asian clams make first appearance in Shuswap Lake

Jan 29, 2020 | 4:25 PM

SALMON ARM, B.C. — The Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society says invasive Asian clams have been found on a beach in the Shuswap.

In a news release, Aquatic Co-ordinator Sue Davies says only dead shells have been found so far, and no lake samples have come back positive for Asian clam larvae.

Davies says the shellfish are considered invasive because of their negative impact to North American waterways.

While Asian clams are found in some Lower Mainland lakes and are common in Washington State, this is their first appearance in Shuswap Lake.

Image Credit: Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society

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Davies says it’s possible the clams came to the Shuswap “as fishing bait, as live food, or accidentally inside a watercraft.”

She stresses the important of cleaning, draining and drying boats and other watercraft before moving them to different lakes and rivers.

Provincial officials are pledging to monitor the Asian clam situation during the upcoming boating season.