Manitoba ramps up efforts to curb spread of zebra mussels (Video)

The province is doubling its efforts in the fight against zebra mussels.

Last year, a plan to keep the invasive species out of Lake Winnipeg did not succeed, so twice as many staff and twice as much equipment will be available this year.

“Fighting the expansion of this highly invasive species takes a concerted effort by everyone who enjoys our lakes and rivers,” said Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Tom Nevakshonoff. “We took an aggressive approach to control zebra mussels last year in four harbours, but mussels survived outside the harbours, so now more than ever, we need everyone’s support and vigilance.”

Watercraft inspectors have taken decontamination units to locations such as the Emerson and Boissevain border crossings, and the Selkirk Park and Pine Falls boat launches, inspecting more than 200 watercraft and performing eight decontaminations from May 21-25, Nevakshonoff said.

A detection dog will also assist crews in finding zebra mussels and was deployed to Emerson this past weekend.

Adult mussels were recently found underneath a private dock in the Red River near Selkirk, but further monitoring will take place to determine whether they have successfully established in the northern portion of the Red River.

To report zebra mussels, take pictures and visitwww.gov.mb.ca/conservation/waterstewardship/stopais/ or call toll-free 1-87-STOP AIS-0 (1-877-867-2470).

Agencies/Canadajournal