Government of Canada Concludes Third Successful Watercraft Inspection for Aquatic Invasive Species in Manitoba
Manitoba, November 26, 2024 – The Government of Canada, through the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), has successfully concluded its third round of watercraft inspections for aquatic invasive species (AIS) in Manitoba. The inspections were conducted at the Kenora Border Crossing and Selkirk Park Waterway and took place from May 15 to November 15, 2024.
Over the course of the inspection period, the CFIA inspected a total of 12,545 watercraft entering Manitoba. Of these, 10 watercraft were found to be contaminated with AIS. The most common AIS species detected were zebra mussels, quagga mussels, and Eurasian watermilfoil.
“The Government of Canada is committed to preventing the introduction and spread of AIS,” said the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “These inspections play a vital role in protecting our water resources and ecosystems from these harmful species.”
AIS are non-native plants, animals, or microorganisms that can harm native species, the environment, and the economy. They can be spread through the movement of watercraft, bait, and other aquatic equipment.
The watercraft inspection program in Manitoba is part of the CFIA’s national AIS prevention and management program. The program aims to prevent the introduction and spread of AIS by educating boaters, inspecting watercraft for AIS, and enforcing regulations to prevent the movement of contaminated watercraft.
“We are pleased with the results of this year’s watercraft inspections,” said Dr. David Evans, CFIA’s National Manager of AIS Programs. “The low number of contaminated watercraft indicates that boaters are taking the necessary steps to prevent the spread of AIS.”
The CFIA would like to thank all boaters who participated in the watercraft inspection program. Their cooperation is essential in protecting our water resources from AIS.
The CFIA encourages all boaters to follow these steps to prevent the spread of AIS:
- Clean, Drain, and Dry: Clean all visible mud, plants, and debris from your watercraft and equipment before leaving a waterbody. Drain all water from your boat, motor, livewells, and bait containers. Dry your watercraft and equipment thoroughly before using it in another waterbody.
- Inspect your watercraft and equipment: Before leaving a waterbody, inspect your watercraft and equipment for AIS. Look for plants, animals, or other organisms that don’t belong in the area. If you find anything suspicious, report it to the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342.
- Do not transport AIS: It is illegal to transport AIS into or within Canada. Do not transport water from one waterbody to another. Do not move plants or animals from one waterbody to another.
For more information on AIS and the watercraft inspection program, please visit the CFIA website at www.inspection.gc.ca/ais.
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