Traces of zebra mussels have been found in eight lakes in Bas-Saint-Laurent, where this invasive species, which is difficult to eradicate, was first identified in the summer of 2022.
Posted at 11:17 am.
This discovery is the result of the inspection of around twenty bodies of water in the region carried out by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks (MELCCFP) since the end of summer 2022.
These measures included visual inspection of the lake floor by snorkeling or diving, as well as collecting DNA samples from the environment.
While in the first part no zebra mussel specimen could be detected at any of the water bodies examined, in the second part zebra mussel traces were found in eight lakes in the region:
- Lake of Eagles
- Jerry Lake
- Lake Matapedia
- Mitis Lake
- Lake Saint Jean
- Small lake Saint-Mathieu
- Big Squatec Lake
- Small Touladi Lake
The ministry specifies that “detection of DNA does not necessarily imply the presence of living persons”. “DNA can be transported in different ways. “For example, a boat that has sailed on a body of water where zebra mussels are present, even if cleaned, may still carry DNA of this species,” we explain.
For this reason, discovery efforts in these waters will continue next year, MELCCFP adds.
He also recalls that most of the lakes in Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie have characteristics that favor the establishment and development of zebra mussels, “which makes them very vulnerable to the introduction of this extremely invasive species.”
The inspections carried out last summer followed the discovery of several specimens of zebra mussels in Lake Témiscouata, which is so far hundreds of kilometers from other contaminated sites.
The zebra mussel is found in the Saint Lawrence River and in several large lakes in Estrie, including Lake Memphremagog and Lake Massawippi, where every possible effort is being made to eliminate it. It is considered impossible to eradicate.