Fisheries and Oceans Canada staff and Manitoba provincial parks patrol officers inspect a boat for aquatic invasive species in this undated handout photo. (CNW / NEWSWIRE)
A recent roadside inspection blitz by provincial and federal officials found at least one watercraft transporting visible zebra mussels in Manitoba.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, in partnership with the Manitoba government, ran its second aquatic invasive species roadside inspections on the Trans-Canada Highway near the Manitoba-Ontario border from June 19 to 21.
The aim of the campaign was to intercept vehicles transporting watercraft and equipment that may carry aquatic invasive species, which can disrupt native habitats and damage water intake systems.
Over the three-day blitz, patrol officers and AIS program staff stopped and inspected 455 eastbound and westbound vehicles carrying 502 watercraft or related equipment.
Of those, 382 watercraft were compliant with clean, drain and dry requirements, while 120 failed the inspection. Thirteen watercraft required decontamination, with drivers given instructions on future compliance, and one watercraft was found with visible zebra mussels.
“Aquatic invasive species can easily cross provincial borders and Manitoba is proud to continue to work with the federal government to conduct joint inspections of watercraft to help protect our lakes and rivers,” said Manitoba Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes. “By working together, we’re preserving this precious natural resource for generations to come.”
