Parks Canada staff have found multiple living juvenile zebra mussels in Clear Lake. These invasive mussels were found last week Thursday and Friday, September 19- 20.
Media Release - September 24, 2024
Representatives from Parks Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Province of Manitoba’s aquatic invasive species program have visually confirmed the finding to be zebra mussels.
With this new information, Parks Canada staff will analyze the options for a potential eradication treatment using the best evidence available and in consultation with third-party experts in the field.
The temporary watercraft management measures for Clear Lake remain in place and Boat Cove remains closed to the public until further notice. Parks Canada will provide further updates as information becomes available.
Zebra mussel infestations cost Manitoba taxpayers an estimated $10 million per year. This cost includes keeping mussels off critical freshwater infrastructure, such as hydroelectric dams and drinking water pipes. When the damage to the Lake Winnipeg fishery and tourism are taken into account, the total economic costs may be considerably higher.
Parks Canada is a recognized leader in conservation and takes actions to ensure the long-term health of national parks. Parks Canada has a proven track record of effective ecosystem management and is committed to protecting the health of Clear Lake and the greater watershed.
Parks Canada would like to again thank community members and visitors for their continued patience and understanding while staff and partners assess this new development.
A Q&A with Mireille Kroeker, Public Relations and Communications Officer, Riding Mountain National Park - Sept 24, 2024
How did the containment curtain get damaged? Was this a case of vandalism or inclement weather?
As contractors were nearing completion of the installation on August 6, the curtain malfunctioned and blew to shore by August 8. The curtains anchoring system did not maintain its position on the lakebed, and some sections became disconnected from each other. The contractor was not able to conduct a final inspection of the curtain and anchoring system prior to forecasted north winds. Parks Canada is working with the contractor to assess potential containment options.
Rumors are that the mature zebra mussels were attached to a rope cut at both ends and purposefully planted in the lake. Is this true and are there steps being taken to investigate the perpetrator(s). Are you wanting public help with information on this kind of nefarious activity?
There is no evidence to support the suggestion that the zebra mussels were purposefully planted, though law enforcement was notified and aware of this possibility. Any intentional introduction of an invasive species into a national park would be handled by law enforcement. Consequences for anybody caught would be significant and could include heavy fines. Members of the public with information about incidents that contravene the Canada National Parks Act, should contact Parks Canada.
What does the removal of the containment curtain mean? Does this now allow the zebra mussels to freely roam and contaminate the rest of Clear Lake?
The Boat Cove area where adult zebra mussels have been recovered has not been contained since the curtain was damaged on August 8. The concern of spread comes from the spread of veligers (larvae). To date, no veligers have been found. Intensive monitoring efforts continue in Clear Lake throughout the 2024 open water season.
Zebra mussel infestations in Lake Winnipeg and the Nelson River have already cost the government of Manitoba over $10 million annually to manage, not including the lost revenue from tourism and fishing. They cost governments in the Great Lakes region around $250 million annually to manage.