Zebra Mussels are an aquatic invasive species that reproduce very quickly, cause negative ecological impacts, deteriorate infrastructure, and negatively impact the economy. Since being introduced into the Laurentian Great Lakes region in the 1980s, they have spread to southern Ontario, south and central Manitoba, southern Québec, and New Brunswick, and are a growing threat.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is taking action to prevent the introduction and spread of all AIS, including Zebra Mussels. This summer, DFO conducted roadside inspections along the Trans-Canada Highway at the Manitoba and Ontario border. Following the success of the first blitz weekend in June, DFO’s Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program staff and fishery officers, provincial AIS inspection staff, and conservation officers from the Manitoba Department of Economic Development, Investment, Trade, and Natural Resources conducted another blitz from August 23–25, 2024, with equally impressive results. This time, a total of 451 vehicles were stopped that were transporting watercraft and traveling across the provincial boundary.

Prevention is the most efficient, practical, and cost-effective approach to managing AIS, including Zebra Mussels. Cleaning, draining, and drying all watercraft and water-related equipment when either removing them from the water and/or placing them into another water body is key to preventing the spread of AIS. Of the 451 vehicles that were stopped between August 23–25, 2024:

• 153 vehicles were transporting watercraft or equipment that were not clean, drained, or dry and failed the AIS inspection.
• 225 vehicles transporting watercraft were compliant with clean, drain, and dry requirements.
• 0 watercraft had Zebra Mussels visible.

Drivers transporting non-compliant watercraft had their watercraft and equipment decontaminated and were given instructions on how to comply with the clean, drain, and dry requirements.

“Our government remains committed to battling AIS and taking action through education and enforcement to halt the spread. Manitoba was proud to release the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention and Response Plan this summer to set out a way forward for AIS prevention. The plan emphasizes the need to work collaboratively towards a responsive, nimble inspections program. The inspections that took place this weekend are an excellent opportunity to educate the public and stop zebra mussels from being transported,” commented the Honorable 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.
• During DFO’s June inspection blitz along the Trans-Canada Highway between Manitoba and Ontario:
  • 294 vehicles transporting watercraft were compliant with clean, drain, and 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.
• AIS poses 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, 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 the transboundary waters of Quebec.