Aquatic Invasive Species Update (MB)

April 29, 2019

Larval Stage Zebra Mussel Found in Shoal Lake, Ontario

Manitoba Sustainable Development and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry report that a single intact veliger, which is the microscopic larval stage of a zebra mussel, was found in one of six water samples taken from Shoal Lake, Ont.

As part of ongoing efforts for monitoring and early detection of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), water samples are routinely taken and submitted for testing.  The single veliger was detected in a sample taken in August 2018 near the Clytie Bay public boat launch on the northeast side of Shoal Lake, which straddles the Manitoba-Ontario border.  No zebra mussels were detected in ongoing annual monitoring conducted by the City of Winnipeg.  It is important to note the discovery of a single veliger does not necessarily indicate adult zebra mussels have colonized the lake.

Shoal Lake water quality data will be reviewed to determine the risk or likelihood of zebra mussels forming a population and, if necessary, Ontario and Manitoba will discuss possible options aimed at preventing the further spread of zebra mussels.  The governments of Ontario and Manitoba are working collaboratively and have contacted Indigenous communities, key stakeholders, and users of the lake including the Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, Iskatewizaagegan Independent First Nation and the City of Winnipeg, which draws its drinking water from Shoal Lake.

Boaters and watercraft users are reminded to do their part in preventing the spread of zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species.  Before leaving any body of water, take the proper steps to remove aquatic plants and invasive species, drain all water and remove drain plugs before transporting watercraft over land, dry all equipment and surfaces before placing in another water body, and properly dispose of all bait.

Manitoba has information for water system operators about dealing with the threat of zebra mussels.  For more information visit: www.gov.mb.ca/sd/pubs/water/drinking_water/odw_og_13.pdf.

In Manitoba, for more information on aquatic invasive species, visit www.gov.mb.ca/stopthespread/ or call (toll-free) 1-87-STOP AIS-0 (1-877-867-2470).  For more information, or to report an invasive species in Ontario, visit www.EDDMapS.org/Ontario or call the Invading Species Hotline (toll-free) at 1 800 563 7711.

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The Province of Manitoba is distributing this media bulletin on behalf of the governments of Manitoba and Ontario.

For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications Services Manitoba: 204-945-3765.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Communications and Stakeholder Relations: 204-945-4916.

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