The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is raising the alarm after a report of a dangerous invasive species being found in moss balls sold in the NWT.

Moss balls, often sold as Marimo moss balls, are green algae commonly used to increase water quality in aquariums.

The GNWT was alerted to the presence of invasive mussels found in moss balls sold in the NWT.

Immediate action is required to prevent the potential introduction of this dangerous invader.

Background on Invasive Mussel Species

There are two types of closely-related mussels that the NWT is concerned about: zebra mussels and quagga mussels

Zebra and quagga mussels are small freshwater mussels. While they can only grow as large as a thumbnail, they have the potential to cause big damage to the NWT’s biodiversity, aquatic ecosystems, fish populations, hydro power stations and other infrastructure.

They multiply fast and are virtually impossible to eradicate from an area once they are introduced.

How to stop introduction to the environment

If residents have purchased any moss balls in the last year, the best thing to do is destroy them immediately, and decontaminate the aquariums in which they were used.

Here’s how to do it safely and effectively:

• Place the moss ball into a sealed plastic bag and freeze for at least 24 hours, OR place the moss ball in boiling water for at least one full minute.
• After this, place the moss ball and any of its packaging in a sealed plastic bag and dispose in the trash. Do not flush moss balls down the toilet or dispose of them in the compost.
• Never dump aquarium tank pets, plants or untreated water down the drain or into any residential water system or waterway. Treat any water removed from the aquarium before disposing of it.
• The tank and all accessories (e.g. rocks, decorations, etc.) should be washed with a strong solution of chlorine bleach and water. Alternately, careful use of boiling water may also be effective.
• Complete decontamination guidelines can be found here.

Anyone who finds zebra mussels can call their local or regional ENR office or send an email to wildlifeobs@gov.nt.ca.

Related Link:

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada – Invasive Mussels Found in Moss Ball Products

Media Requests, please contact:

Mike Westwick
Manager, Communications and Public Affairs
Environment and Natural Resources
Government of the Northwest Territories
Mike_Westwick@gov.nt.ca
1-867-765-8557