During open water season, Manitobans are reminded to remain vigilant and do their part to protect the province’s water bodies from aquatic invasive species (AIS).
Prevention is the most effective, practical and cost-effective approach to managing AIS. All water users play an important role in preventing the introduction and spread of AIS such as zebra mussels, quagga mussels, spiny waterflea, flowering rush and water lettuce.
To prevent the spread of AIS, water users are required to clean, drain and dry watercraft and water-related equipment when removing them from a waterbody. Water users must also adhere to prescribed decontamination requirements when operating in AIS control zones.
These sequential clean, drain and dry steps are legally required for both motorized and non-motorized watercraft, including power boats, jet skis, sailboats, standup 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 snorkeling gear.
The annual watercraft inspection program is in operation, with six stations open and more opening in the coming weeks.
Inspection stations help water users to be compliant with AIS requirements. Anyone transporting motorized or non-motorized watercraft over land must stop at all open watercraft inspection stations along their route. Failure to stop at an open watercraft inspection station can result in a $672 fine. It is important to remember to remove the watercraft drain plug when transporting watercraft over land. The fine for not removing the plug is $237.
Float plane operators are reminded when pumping out a plane’s floats and pontoons to place water in a container and deposit it on land so it does not enter a water body. The fine for depositing or releasing AIS in Manitoba is $2,542.
For more information on AIS, including locations and hours of watercraft inspection stations, a list of control zones and details on decontamination requirements, visit manitoba.ca.
Before purchasing aquatic plants, algae and animals online, ensure they are not designated as AIS and prohibited from possession in Manitoba. Aquatic hobbyists are also reminded to never release contents of an aquarium, water garden or pond, including plants, animals or the water itself, into water bodies, storm sewers, toilets or drains. This can introduce new invasive species, parasites and diseases, which can have negative consequences on native flora and fauna.
For more information on the Don’t Let it Loose program, visit manitoba.ca.
