October 1, 2015
Aquatic Invasive Species Update Bulletin #15
Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship reports monitoring has shown a significant increase in the number of zebra mussels in Lake Winnipeg and the Red River.
The province, boaters and the public have been finding significant numbers of zebra mussels on boats along beaches and on infrastructure such as swimming buoys, docks and ladders in Lake Winnipeg at Victoria Beach, Grand Beach, Winnipeg Beach, Matlock, and Sunset Beach. Zebra mussels are also present in the Red River and have been found at St. Andrews lock and dam and on native mussels.
Manitobans are reminded that under the federal Fisheries Act, it is illegal to possess or transport zebra mussels. Zebra mussels are present in Lake Winnipeg south of Grindstone Point and in the Manitoba portion of the Red River.
There are measures boat owners have to undertake to comply with the law and prevent the spread of zebra mussels.
A document called the Zebra Mussel Directive outlines measures boat owners have to take to comply with the law and prevent the spread of zebra mussels. It is available:
• by emailing fish@gov.mb.ca;
• online at www.manitoba.ca/stopais;
• in person at Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship regional offices in Riverton, Gimli, Winnipeg Beach, Selkirk, Pine Falls and Grand Beach between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday; or
• in person at Conservation and Water Stewardship at 200 Saulteaux Cres. in Winnipeg between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Penalties for possessing zebra mussels may result in fines or prosecution under the federal Fisheries Act.
Watercraft inspection stations with decontamination units targeting aquatic invasive species (AIS) will be available for day-use boaters at Selkirk Park and at Pine Falls this Saturday and Sunday.
These operations are focused on preventing the spread of larval zebra mussels, called veligers, from Lake Winnipeg and the Red River during weekend activities and at special events such as fishing tournaments and derbies. The watercraft inspection program is scheduled to continue until Oct. 11.
Everyone is asked to do their part and:
• clean and remove any visible aquatic plants, AIS or mud from the watercraft, trailer and all water-related equipment;
• drain all water from motor, bilge, bait buckets and any compartments;
• dry all water-related equipment and any hard-to-drain compartments that have contacted the water with a dry towel or sponge before it is used in any other body of water; and
• dispose of unused bait and worms in the trash.
To report a zebra mussel or any other AIS from a location, take pictures and visit the website at www.manitoba.ca/stopais or call 1-87-STOP AIS-0 (1-877-867-2470).
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