WINNIPEG, MB, July 16,
2024 /CNW/ - Since being introduced into the
Laurentian Great Lakes region in the 1980s, destructive Zebra
Mussels have spread to waterbodies in southern Ontario, south and central Manitoba, southern Québec and New Brunswick. This aquatic invasive species
(AIS) reproduces very quickly, and in addition to its negative
ecological impacts, it can deteriorate infrastructure and property
by attaching themselves to hard surfaces including boats, docks,
rocks, plants and water intakes.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is committed to taking action
to prevent further spread of all AIS, including Zebra Mussels, by
conducting roadside inspections like the one held last month at the
Manitoba and Ontario border. From June 21 to 23, DFO fishery officers, with support
from provincial AIS inspection staff with the Manitoba Department
of Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources,
stopped 398 vehicles transporting watercraft and travelling across
the provincial boundary.
Prevention is the most efficient, practical and cost-effective
approach to managing AIS like Zebra Mussels. To prevent the spread
of AIS, water users are required to clean, drain and dry watercraft
and water-related equipment when removing them from the water. Of
the 398 vehicles that were stopped between
June 21 and 23:
- 294 vehicles transporting watercraft were compliant with clean,
drain, dry requirements.
- 104 vehicles were transporting watercraft or equipment that
were not clean, drained, or dry and failed the AIS inspection.
- Five vehicles were found to be transporting Zebra Mussels.
Drivers transporting non-compliant watercraft had their
watercraft and equipment decontaminated, and were given
instructions for how to comply with the clean, drain, dry
requirements.
Quotes
"Aquatic invasive species threaten biodiversity by altering food
webs, damaging habitats and out-competing native species, causing
serious harm to Canada's aquatic
ecosystems. They also impact our ability to enjoy outdoor tourism
and recreational activities, damage infrastructure, and harm our
economy by putting fisheries and related sectors at risk. That's
why we are taking enforcement action against aquatic invasive
species to prevent further spread and protect Canada's ecosystems and economy."
The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries,
Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
"Manitobans and visitors love enjoying our beautiful province,
and that beauty stems from our stunning waterways to our abundance
of natural resources. Everyone has a role to play in protecting our
waterways, and our province is committed to working together with
governments and communities to protect and preserve our waterways
from aquatic invasive species for generations to come."
The Honourable Jamie Moses, Minister of Economic Development,
Investment, Trade and Natural Resources
Quick Facts
- Aquatic invasive species are freshwater or marine plants,
animals, algae and micro-organisms introduced outside their natural
or past distribution. They have significant negative impacts on the
environment, economy, society and human health.
- AIS pose a serious threat to the biodiversity of Canada's waters. After habitat loss, invasive
species are the second biggest threat to global biodiversity. They
can grow quickly, compete with native species and alter habitats,
and cost billions of dollars annually in damages to infrastructure
and revenue loss in Canada.
- Under the Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations it
is illegal to possess, transport, and release Zebra Mussels in
Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British
Columbia. It is also illegal to import Zebra Mussels into
Canada, except within the
transboundary waters of the Great Lakes in Ontario and transboundary waters of
Quebec.
Associated Links
- Clean, Drain, Dry and Decontaminate
- Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations
- Identify an aquatic invasive species
- Report an aquatic invasive species
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SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans Canada Ontario & Prairie
Region