Dead zebra mussel larvae found in Assiniboine

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This article was published 13/12/2024 (278 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dead zebra mussel larvae samples have been found in the Assiniboine River at the Brandon Generating Station, prompting the province to activate its Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Early Detection Rapid Response Plan.

The zebra mussels were detected during Manitoba Hydro’s routine zebra mussel monitoring program, which confirmed its findings in follow-up sampling.

In a press release issued late on Thursday afternoon, the province said it will establish a plan to monitor and contain the spread of zebra mussels.

Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett told the Sun he was made aware of the development by the province, and had alerted teams in the city’s utilities, engineering, water and wastewater departments.

Fawcett added that he is waiting to hear back from Manitoba Environment and Climate Change regarding the next steps.

“The fact that we haven’t heard right away, I don’t think it’s a great big worry, but absolutely, we want to make sure that our team works with the government,” Fawcett said.

“And as we know they’re dealing with mussels up north. So, we know there is a process, and whether that means certain cleaning practices or anything else, we’ll find out what we need to do and adapt to it.”

Manitoba Hydro monitors any water body involved in its operations, said Peter Chura, media relations officer with the Crown corporation.

“We monitor inside all our facilities that have confirmed zebra mussels, and we monitor lakes and rivers that we operate on, that have yet to be infested by zebra mussels. We’ve done so for several years,” Chura told the Sun.

Zebra mussels were found in Clear Lake in November 2023, when a clump of 48 live mussels was found. The issue persisted into the summer of 2024, with additional discoveries of living juvenile mussels, and an adult mussel found by snorkelers.

In May, the federal government closed Clear Lake to all watercraft in an effort to stop the spread of zebra mussels in southwestern Manitoba.

Four months later in September, the invasive species was found on the north shore of the lake, and in October, some mussels were seen attached to dock infrastructure.

The Brandon Generating Station where the zebra mussel larvae were found, is located on the south bank of the Assiniboine River, at the east end of Victoria Avenue, about six kilometers east of First Street.

Zebra mussels reproduce quickly and starve other aquatic life of natural resources, such as algae. The mussels interfere with water intake and boating equipment and the sharp shells are dangerous for swimmers.

The invasive species was first detected in Manitoba — in Lake Winnipeg — in 2013.

Manitoba Environment and Climate Change reminded the public about the importance of remaining vigilant against the spread of AIS after the latest finding of zebra mussels in the Assiniboine River.

All water users have also been asked to remain mindful about AIS regulations and fines associated with breaking them, which are active year-round to prevent the spread of such invasive species, including diligence during the winter season.

To view the government’s checklist on preventing the spread of zebra mussels visit, https://www.manitoba.ca/stopais/checklist/winter.html

» mmcdougall@brandonsun.com, with files from the Winnipeg Free Press

» X: @enviromichele