October 8, 2015
Aquatic Invasive Species Update Bulletin #16
Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship reports fall monitoring results show zebra mussels are now present as far north as Matheson Island in the channel of Lake Winnipeg.
Water sampling results found larval zebra mussels, called veligers, for the first time in the channel between Hecla Island and the mainland, the middle of the channel west of Loon Straits and in the channel opening just east of Matheson Island.
Juvenile and adult zebra mussels were also found on floating test sites, called substrate samplers, in Hecla’s small craft harbour in the village of Hecla, Gull Harbour’s small craft harbour on Hecla Island and Little Grindstone’s small craft harbour located south of Grindstone Point.
The province, boaters and the public have been finding significant numbers of zebra mussels on moored boats, along beaches and on infrastructure such as swimming buoys, docks and ladders at beaches in the Lake Winnipeg South Basin.
Zebra mussels are also present in the Red River. Manitoba Hydro has found several attached zebra mussels on an intake screen frame at the Selkirk Generating Station. Recently, zebra mussels were found at the 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. Penalties for possessing zebra mussels may result in fines or prosecution under this act.
The measures boat owners have to undertake to comply with the law and prevent the spread of zebra mussels are explained in a document called The Zebra Mussel Directive. 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.
Watercraft inspection stations with decontamination units targeting aquatic invasive species will be available for day-use boaters at Pine Falls today through to Sunday and at Selkirk Park on Saturday.
These operations are focused on preventing the spread of larval zebra mussels 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 end on Oct. 11.
Everyone is asked to do their part and:
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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/stopaisor call 1-87-STOP AIS-0 (1-877-867-2470).
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