By Liam Verster/Vernon Matters

Invasive Mussels

Thompson-Okanagan Rotary Clubs fundraising for invasive mussel detection system

Mar 15, 2026 | 3:45 PM

KELOWNA — Rotarians from across the region have banded together to support a project aimed at detecting and preventing the spread of invasive mussels.

Rotary Clubs in the Okanagan and Thompson areas have launched a fundraising campaign to raise $100,000 to support eDNA mussel-detection technology research by UBC Okanagan and supported by the Okanagan Basin Water Board.

The first phase of the project is estimated to cost $475,00, which has so far been supported by the OBWB, Mitacs, and most recently, the Colin and Lois Pritchard Foundation with a $100,000 contribution.

“Rotarians have always stepped up when something truly matters — and nothing matters more than protecting the water that sustains our communities,” Colin Pritchard said.

“This challenge gift isn’t just a donation; it’s an invitation. I’m asking my fellow Rotarians, along with local businesses and everyone who loves this valley, to help finish what we’ve started. Together, we can give British Columbia and beyond the tools needed to defend our lakes and rivers for generations to come.”

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Once online, the eDNA detection system will see watercraft inspectors provided with a portable “suitcase lab” that can detect microscopic mussel DNA by vacuum-sampling and analyzing boats.

“This project will be the first in Canada to build and test eDNA-based tools for invasive mussel detection on incoming watercraft, with the goal of creating a fast, cost-effective and scalable solution,” said Dr. Michael Russello, a geneticist at UBCO leading the project.

“It represents a critical step forward in freshwater biosecurity and advances the innovations needed to keep B.C.’s lakes and rivers healthy, resilient, and mussel-free.”

The Okanagan Basin Water Board said invasive zebra and quagga mussels pose a serious risk to the B.C. Interior as they could cause hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to water systems, marinas, infrastructure and beaches cause massive ecological harm, including plankton loss, fish die-off, bird poisonings and toxic algae blooms; and have serious economic fallout in the form of reduced tourism, lower property values, and impacts to recreation and local businesses.

People can donate to the Rotary fundraiser online here, or by sending a cheque payable to University of British Columbia Okanagan courtesy of Okanagan Basin Water Board to 1450 K.L.O Road Kelowna., B.C., V1W 3Z4.

The OBWB was also looking to federal funding to help cover the costs associated with the project, though the organization had not been successful in securing those funds as of time of publication.