The zebra mussel, an invasive exotic species, appeared in Lake Massawippi in 2021. Early detection of the mussel allowed the implementation of several intervention measures to slow the species’ spread throughout the lake.

The granting of a federal government EcoAction program funding in 2023 marked a crucial milestone in Bleu Massawippi’s efforts to combat the mussel and protect the lake’s ecosystem.

With this funding, Bleu Massawippi set a goal of removing five tonnes of waste from Lake Massawippi by 2025. These debris, such as old engines, concrete blocks, and tires, provide an ideal substrate for zebra mussels, thereby promoting their proliferation.