The horror and devastation of the zebra mussels
The horror and devastation of the zebra mussel is all around us, and the news just doesn’t seem to get better.
It is hard to watch as more of our lakes and rivers are added to the list of those bodies of water in Manitoba that have been infected with zebra mussels.
Until science discovers a way to get rid of this devastating invasive species, we all have to work together and do whatever we can to ensure we follow the best practices shared by the Province of Manitoba.
I recently received an update to the December 12, 2024, Province of Manitoba news release that indicated that “Manitoba Environment and Climate Change was activating its Aquatic Invasive Species Early Detection Rapid Response Plan after positive zebra mussel veliger (larvae) samples were found in the Assiniboine River at the Brandon, Mb Generating Station.”
The most recent release states the following:
“Based on the available evidence, the AIS Unit is unable to determine whether this detection at the Brandon Generating Station is a result of:
* a new introduction of zebra mussels into the Assiniboine River,
* a new introduction of zebra mussels into the Little Saskatchewan River, or
* downstream movement of zebra mussels from Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park via the Little Saskatchewan River.
There is a known population of zebra mussels in Clear Lake near the Little Saskatchewan River’s headwaters.”
The release goes to share:
“With these uncertainties in mind, the Manitoba AIS Unit has developed a containment plan that includes both the Assiniboine and Little Saskatchewan Rivers.
To contain the outward spread, the Manitoba AIS Unit intends to install restricted access signage along the following river reaches:
Along the Assiniboine River from Provincial Rd 250 bridge crossing (approximately 15 km upstream of the Little Saskatchewan River confluence and 30 km upstream of the Brandon Generating Station) downstream to the Portage la Prairie diversion.
The Assiniboine River downstream of the Portage la Prairie Diversion is part of the Red River/Lake Winnipeg/Nelson River zebra mussel Control Zone and therefore water users of these waters are already legally obliged to meet the same requirements as those being imposed by this containment work planned for the upper Assiniboine.
Along the Little Saskatchewan River from its confluence with the Assiniboine River upstream to its confluence with Clear Creek, including Lake Wahtopanah and Minnedosa Lake reservoirs.
The entire length of Clear Creek within Manitoba jurisdiction, from its confluence with the Little Saskatchewan River to the Riding Mountain National Park Boundary.
Restricted access signage will have a decontamination requirement prior to moving to another water body, similar to the requirements that exist within Aquatic Invasive Species Control Zones.”
Our local municipalities are working diligently to stay on top of all new information regarding aquatic invasive species.
Inspection and restricted access points may seem like an unnecessary delay before entering previously open bodies of water, but these measures are a needed intervention to help keep our local bodies of water clear of a devastating zebra mussel infestation.
No matter what the season:
Clean, Drain and Dry all items and watercraft that come into contact with a body of water, including toys.
This protocol must be followed after you visit any body of water, no matter where you travel.
For more information on zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species, please visit the Province of Manitoba website at: https://www.gov.mb.ca/stopais/aisinmanitoba/zebra-mussels.html
PHOTO CAPTION: Zebra mussels continue to be a concern to our lakes and rivers. FILE PHOTO
