The Manitoba government has launched a comprehensive and proactive plan to prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) into Manitoba waters, announced Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Minister Jamie Moses and Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt today.
The plan aims to minimize the impacts of AIS on the environment, economy, and recreation. “Manitoba is home to over 100,000 lakes, making up 16 per cent of our province,” said Moses. “Our water resources are a central part of our communities, natural ecosystems, and economy. One of the biggest threats to our waterways is aquatic invasive species. Our plan, along with increased funding in Budget 2024, will help prevent the spread of AIS.”
AIS can alter aquatic environments and compete with native species, causing a loss of biodiversity within an ecosystem. This can have a substantial impact on beach and water quality, damage watercraft, and negatively impact Indigenous medicinal and subsistence harvesting, commercial fishers, and Indigenous harvesters. AIS can also cause significant harm to waterway infrastructure by clogging openings and preventing water flow.
Schmidt emphasized the importance of collective action in preserving water and natural resources for future generations. “Preventing AIS spread is a shared responsibility among all Manitobans. This plan presents ways to work together as one province to undertake the crucial task ahead of us to keep our waterways safe.”
The government is reminding water users of the requirements to clean, drain, and dry watercraft and water-related equipment to prevent the spread of AIS over the summer. Watercraft inspection stations are set up throughout Manitoba to help water users comply with AIS requirements. Anyone transporting motorized or non-motorized watercraft over land must stop at all open watercraft inspection stations along their route.
With increased funding for 2024, the Manitoba government is piloting a new approach to watercraft inspections and decontaminations by adding mobile watercraft inspection stations. These new mobile stations will visit various locations around Manitoba during the open water season, allowing watercraft inspectors to expand operations into new areas of Manitoba to enhance the province’s overall inspection and decontamination capacity, and connect with more watercraft owners to provide education and increase awareness.
For up-to-date station location and hours of operation, including mobile station updates, visit www.gov.mb.ca/stopais/spread/watercraft_inspection.html.
Regulations for Manitobans to clean, drain, and dry their watercraft are legally required for both motorized and non-motorized watercraft, including power boats, jet skis, sailboats, stand-up paddle boards, canoes, and kayaks, as well as all water-related equipment.
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