Manitoba introduces plan to battle aquatic invasive species

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Manitoba announced its plan of attack to reduce the impact and spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) on Tuesday.

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AIS Prevention and Response Plan is a comprehensive strategy which aims to safeguard Manitoba’s waterways from the detrimental impacts of AIS, highlighting the collective responsibility of all Manitobans in preventing its spread, Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Minister Jamie Moses and Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt announced on Tuesday.

Manitoba has established watercraft inspection stations across the province to enforce AIS compliance. Motorized and non-motorized watercraft operators must stop at these stations during transport over land.

To enhance inspection capabilities, the Manitoba government is piloting mobile watercraft inspection stations, which have already proven effective in detecting AIS like zebra mussels. These mobile units will operate at various locations across Manitoba during the open water season, expanding inspection outreach and providing education to watercraft owners.

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Throughout the summer, water users are urged to adhere to clean, drain, and dry protocols for watercraft and equipment to prevent AIS spread.

“Manitoba is home to over 100,000 lakes, making up 16% of our province,” said Moses in a release on Tuesday. “Our water resources are a central part of our communities, natural ecosystems and economy, and often a major part of our experiences and memories. One of the biggest threats to our waterways is aquatic invasive species. Our plan, along with increased funding in Budget 2024 will help prevent the spread of AIS. ”

AIS can disrupt natural ecosystems, outcompete native species, degrade water quality, and impair watercraft and infrastructure. They also pose risks to Indigenous harvesting practices and commercial fishing activities.

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“It is paramount that we work together to protect and preserve our water and natural resources for generations to come,” said Schmidt. “Preventing AIS spread is a shared responsibility among all Manitobans. This plan presents ways to work together as one province to undertake the crucial task ahead of us to keep our waterways safe.”

Zebra mussels have already impacted several Manitoba waterways and in early May, Parks Canada announced personal watercraft, including non-motorized items such as canoes and standup paddle boards, would not be allowed on Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park this summer, as they feared they could help to spread zebra mussels, which often attach themselves to watercraft.  

Regulations for Manitobans to clean, drain and dry their watercraft are legally required for both motorized and non-motorized watercraft, including power boats, jet skis, sailboats, stand-up paddle boards, canoes and kayaks, as well as all water-related equipment including:

• watercraft trailers;
• fishing gear;
• water pumps;
• personal flotation devices including life jackets;
• paddles and anchors;
• beach toys (such as sand pails and shovels);
• floating devices and inflatables (such as tubes, rafts, water mats and hunting decoys); and
• scuba and snorkelling gear.

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