What are Zebra Mussels?
Zebra Mussels are an aquatic invasive species
originating from Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Zebra Mussels are impossible
to get rid of once they have established themselves in a body of water, which
why it is vital that we prevent them from entering our waters. One female Zebra
Mussel lays around one million eggs per year, and Zebra Mussels have an average
lifespan of 2-5 years. Adult Zebra Mussels are between 1-3cm large and attach
themselves to anything submerged in water. They can survive for 7-30 days
outside of water depending on temperature and humidity. Larval Zebra Mussels,
otherwise known as veligers, are water dependent and move through bodies of
water with the underwater currents.
What are Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)?
An aquatic invasive species (AIS) is an organism that
is not native to the local environment and spreads rapidly due to high reproductive
rates and a lack of natural predators or diseases that lives in either freshwater
or marine environments. Most of the species of concern to Manitoba are
freshwater invasive species. Manitoba currently has 17 aquatic invasive species.
In Manitoba, Zebra Mussels are designated as an
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). It is illegal to:
- Possess a member of an AIS in
Manitoba
- Bring a member of an AIS into
Manitoba, or cause one to be brought into Manitoba
- Deposit or release an AIS in
Manitoba, or cause one to be deposited or released into Manitoba
- Transport a member of an AIS into
Manitoba
How to Stop the Spread of Zebra Mussels
When transporting any watercraft between bodies of
water, it is crucial that you CLEAN the watercraft thoroughly, DRAIN any standing water left inside the watercraft, and DRY your watercraft
completely before introducing it to another body of water. DISPOSE of
any unwanted bait in the trash, rather than dumping it in the water. Manitoba
operates several AIS Watercraft Inspection Stations, and all watercrafts must
stop at these stations when they are open. If you have recently brought your
watercraft into water that is known to contain Zebra Mussels, it is the law that
you must stop and have it decontaminated at one of the decontamination stations.
Why Do We Need to Be Concerned About Zebra Mussels and Aquatic Invasive
Species?
Zebra Mussels are highly adaptable and pose a significant
environmental and economic concern to Manitoba. They disrupt ecosystems and decrease
the numbers of our native marine life; they attach to other mussels and smother
them. They are also known to attach to boats and motors thus reducing
efficiency, and their shells attach to rocks and ladders and can cut the feet
of swimmers.
Are Zebra Mussels in Our Waters?
So far, Zebra Mussels have not been found in our municipality’s
lakes and rivers. However, with the recent discovery of Zebra Mussels spreading
to more Manitoba lakes, it is more important than ever that we continue to be
cautious and thoroughly clean, drain, and dry anything that comes out of or
into our waters. A list of invaded lakes and rivers in Manitoba can be found Here. For
more information, please visit https://www.gov.mb.ca/stopais/zebra-mussels.html
Follow the guide below to practice safe watercraft transport.
