October 15, 2015
Aquatic Invasive Species Update Bulletin #17
Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship reports water sampling results show zebra mussels are now present in Cedar Lake.
Water sampling results found a single larval zebra mussel, called a veliger, for the first time in a water sample collected from Cedar Lake. Ongoing sampling is being conducted as part of the Coordinated Aquatic Monitoring program (CAMP), conducted by the Manitoba government and Manitoba Hydro.
This finding strongly suggests that the overland movement of uncleaned watercraft or water-related equipment resulted in the appearance of a veliger because Cedar Lake has no direct connection to a waterway where zebra mussels have previously been found.
The provincial government is currently implementing its early detection and rapid response protocol at Cedar Lake. This involves collecting additional water samples, conducting site evaluations of watercraft and shorelines and inspecting water-based infrastructure such as docks, wharves and buoys to evaluate the extent of the spread of zebra mussels in Cedar Lake and surrounding water bodies.
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 spread of zebra mussels is preventable. Manitobans must to take the proper steps before leaving any water body to:
• 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.
The measures watercraft owners, including owners of water-based aircraft, should undertake if moored for longer than 24 hours in Lake Winnipeg, the Red River or Cedar Lake to 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.
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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