Stopping the spread of zebra mussels
Just because it is winter, doesn’t mean we should forget about being diligent in stopping the spread of zebra mussels and other invasive species. Even with the thick ice covering many lakes and rivers, the risk of transferring zebra mussels from infected bodies of water to other areas is far from a distant memory.
Candace Parks, the Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist for Manitoba, works closely with the Department of Agriculture and Resource Development.
Candace shares the necessary steps to take with ice fishing equipment when leaving a body of water, which are the same rules that need to be followed during the summer: “Clean, Drain and Dry everything that has come in contact with any waterbody in Manitoba.” Any and all ice fishing equipment must be put through these three steps.
“Winter does not prevent zebra mussels and other invasive species from spreading.” According to Candace; “If after fishing you are unsure whether your gear has been properly decontaminated, the gear can be exposed to freezing temperatures, below -10 C for three consecutive days before it is moved to another waterbody.”
The rural municipalities in our area are diligently staying on top of the issue of the potential of invasive species. Public forums, education, ongoing testing and monitoring are just a small part of the measures currently being taken.
Get out and have fun this winter, but don’t forget to protect our waterways. It doesn’t matter what season it is, invasive species can be transferred at any time of year.
