In the spring of 2015, local filmmaker Brynne Morrice released his short film, Mussel Threat: Protecting B.C.’s Freshwater and subsequently ran a successful campaign calling on the B.C. Government to install mandatory boat inspection stations at our provincial border crossings.
Now, Morrice has combined forces with the Society for the Protection of Kal Lake to organize Splash Mob, a community event to raise widespread awareness of invasive zebra and quagga mussels.
On Sunday, the Okanagan will come together to form a gigantic human circle on Kalamalka Lake. Floating in the centre of the circle will be the words, "Stop Invasive Mussels.”
Kelowna’s Rubicon Cinema, operating their professional drone, will capture the whole event from above. The resulting image will be sent out to every media platform across Canada and the Pacific Northwest.
Morrice and fellow organizers are asking the community to come out in force.
“This is an opportunity for anyone who’s ever been concerned about this issue to get down to the water on July 24 and help us make a statement,” said Morrice. “Bring your boats, kayaks, canoes, SUP’s, air mattresses, floaties….basically, anything!”
For anyone attending Splash Mob (organizers anticipate well over 100 boats already), the launch will happen at 9:30 a.m. from Kal Beach, or from any of the other beaches and boat launches around the bay. The circle formation will happen at 10 a.m., several hundred feet out from the Kal Beach dock.
Organizers are also asking for donations to help cover the costs of this volunteer-run event. They have launched a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter.com, with the goal of raising $1,200.
For more information, please visit www.protectourfreshwater.ca/splashmob.