Is your gear clean, drained, dry, and decontaminated? If you're headed out on the waterways of Manitoba, it's up to you to be sure your're not transporting Aquatic Invasive Species. 

 

What are Aquatic Invasive Species?

 

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are introduced water animals, plants, parasites, or even viruses. Whether introduced intentionally or accidentally, they out-compete native species for resources such as food and space. They become successful in their new aquatic homes because of high reproduction and the absence of predators and diseases. Their presence produces negative economic, social, environmental and human health impacts.

 

What are some examples of Aquatic Invasive Species?

 

Zebra Mussels, Spiny Waterflea, Rusty Crayfish, Quagga Mussels, and Black Algae, are just some examples of Aquatic Invasive Species in Manitoba. 

 

Stopping the Spread

 

Aquatic Invasive Species are spread by human activity. They hitch rides on trailers, boats, fishing equipment and even canoes, kayaks, or stand up paddleboards. 

In Manitoba, to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, water users using watercraft, such as canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards, and water-related equipment, such as paddles, in a water body must follow the general AIS requirements.

As well, watercraft and water-related equipment must be also decontaminated prior to placing them into another water body if they were last used in:

• an Aquatic Invasive Species Control Zone
• an invaded water body outside a Control Zone
• a tributary to the first impassible barrier or connected water body of a Control Zone or an invaded water body

 

Learning More

 

Individuals are responsible for understanding the regulations regarding AIS. The above information is introductory. Visit the Province of Manitoba Aquatic Invasive Species website for a full overview of AIS information and regulations. 

 

   

A canoe being decontaminated at an inspection station at Selkirk Park in Selkirk, MB. 

 

 

 

This page contains information from the Government of Manitoba, licensed under the OpenMB Information and Data Use License (Manitoba.ca/OpenMB).