Roadside blitz aims to block aquatic pests

WINNIPEG — More than 120 watercraft failed a roadside inspection that began on the weekend aimed at slowing the spread of aquatic invasive species, including zebra mussels.

The inspections were conducted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada in partnership with the Manitoba government between Sunday and Tuesday on the Trans-Canada Highway at the Manitoba-Ontario border. It was the second roadside blitz of the summer season.

One of the 455 vehicles transporting 502 watercraft or related equipment had visible zebra mussels present. Inspectors found 120 watercraft were not cleaned, drained or dried and failed the inspection. Thirteen watercraft required decontamination.

“Healthy lakes and rivers are essential to the communities that rely on them,” federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson said in a news release. “Through joint inspection efforts with the Government of Manitoba, we are working to protect those waters from aquatic invasive species and preserve Canada’s freshwater ecosystems for generations to come.”

Motorized and non-motorized watercraft were inspected, including canoes, kayaks, fishing boats, sailboats, jet skis, inflatables, anchors and fishing gear.

Individuals who violate regulations may face up to $100,000 in fines.

The province has issued 17 fines this year during roadside inspections under the province’s Water Protection Act, totalling $5,344.

The fines were for infractions including failing to open drain plugs on watercraft after using them on a body of water, leaving an inspection station without authorization and failing to stop at an inspection station, a provincial spokesperson said.

Inspections have increased in recent years to intercept vehicles transporting watercraft and equipment that may carry aquatic pests, including zebra and quagga mussels. Aquatic invasive species can grow quickly, compete with native species and alter habitats. They can cost billions of dollars annually in damages to infrastructure and revenue loss in Canada, the news release said.

Watercraft inspection stations are set up throughout the province. Anyone transporting boats, motorized or not, is required to stop for an examination.

The federal government lifted a ban on motorboats in Clear Lake this summer, after they were outlawed following the discovery of zebra mussels in the waterway.

In 2023, Parks Canada instituted a “one boat, one lake” policy following the discovery of zebra mussels. All boats, except for the Martese tour boat, were banned in the summer of 2024 after it was determined the invasive species couldn’t be contained.

In early July, the province announced zebra mussel larvae was detected in Lake of the Prairies, a manmade reservoir on the Assiniboine River that straddles the Manitoba-Saskatchewan border.

The province has activated its aquatic invasive species early detection rapid response plan and set up a joint Manitoba-Saskatchewan incident command structure, with help from the feds.

All boats and any water-related equipment used on the Lake of the Prairies must be decontaminated before being used on another body of water, officials said.

» Winnipeg Free Press