An invasive alien species (IAS) is a non-native species of a particular ecosystem which, when introduced, causes or is likely to cause economic, environmental and/or social damage. These species can be plants, animals, fungi or micro-organisms.

IAS will out-compete native species for food, habitat and other resources. They can modify ecological habitats, making conditions less favorable for native species. Thus, the presence of IAS can lead to a decline in local populations and even extinction, in addition to disrupting local food chains. Finally, IAS can affect human activities such as fishing, tourism and aquatic infrastructures (dams, water intakes, etc.).

The zebra mussel is an invasive alien species (IAS) that can cause ecological and economic damage. It multiplies rapidly, colonizes hard surfaces and can clog water filtration systems. It also filters large quantities of phytoplankton, which can unbalance the aquatic ecosystem and affect the food chain. Visit our documentation section to find out more about our efforts to control and monitor the zebra mussel.

Each year, Bleu Massawippi works with divers to manually remove zebra mussels from the lake. Bleu also supports municipalities in setting up washing stations to reduce the spread of zebra mussels in the lake and new invasive exotic species. Various projects are underway to assess the presence and proliferation of mussels across the lake. Visit our documentation section to learn more about our zebra mussel control and monitoring efforts.

Freshwater mussels and zebra mussels are two types of freshwater bivalve mollusc, but they differ significantly in terms of appearance, ecology and environmental impact. freshwater mussels are native species. Their shells are oval and elongated, often brownish or olive-green, and can grow to over 10 centimetres. Zebra mussels are invasive exotic species. They have smaller, D-shaped shells, rarely exceeding 4cm, and are generally striped. freshwater mussels are sometimes falsely called "freshwater mussels".

Key challenges include the presence of invasive exotic species such as zebra mussels and Eurasian water milfoil, water pollution from sediments and nutrients carried by leaching, and bank erosion. These problems can lead to harmful algal blooms and reduced water quality.

Bleu Massawippi conducts regular water tests during the summer season to measure nutrient levels, the presence of contaminants and biological conditions. This data is used to draw up management and restoration plans, and to track changes in the lake's water quality over time.

Residents and visitors to the lake can contribute to its protection in a number of ways, including following the recommendations and regulations concerning boat washing and boating, financially supporting Bleu Massawippi initiatives, participating in citizen science projects and avoiding the excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides on land in the Lake Massawippi watershed.

Washing stations are essential to prevent the spread of any aquatic invasive alien species (AIS), such as quagga mussels and spiny water fleas. By preventing the introduction of new AIS, wash stations help maintain water quality by preventing the proliferation of AIS that can alter habitats and water conditions, such as increasing turbidity. They also help reduce the costs associated with managing and eradicating these species once they have become established. This helps protect economic resources linked to recreational activities and fishing.

Bleu Massawippi has neither the authority nor the mission to issue statements of offence. This is strictly reserved for the MRC de Memphrémagog and its patrol officers.