Killarney-Turtle Mountain is hosting and evening of information tomorrow, Thursday, April 10th with two Aquatic Invasive Species specialists from the Province. The seminar is to share more information about AIS, more specifically, zebra mussels, and how their infestation could affect Killarney Lake.
When: Thursday, April 10
Where: The Shamrock Centre upper level lounge
Time: 6:00 pm
Who's invited: Everyone who wants to learn more about AIS / zebra mussels / their effects and how to mitigate infestation
The AIS team will be spending the day at the Killarney School to share more information with students and staff. The evening seminar will take place at 6:00 pm at the Shamrock Centre where a presentation will take place and questions can be asked.
The evening presentation is not exclusive to Killarney residents. All are welcome to attend!
Here are some not-so-fun facts about AIS from the Province of Manitoba website:
Broadly speaking, an invasive species is an organism (e.g., animals, plants, parasites, viruses etc.) not native to a region that when introduced, either intentionally or accidentally, may out-compete native species for available resources such as food and space.
In many cases, invasive species become successful in their new environments due to their high reproductive rates and absence of native predators and diseases.
An aquatic invasive species (AIS) can either live in freshwater or marine environments. The majority of the species of concern to Manitoba, such as Zebra Mussels, Spiny Waterflea, Rusty Crayfish, Quagga Mussels and Xenocarps, are freshwater species.
In Manitoba, fish, invertebrates, plants and algae that are designated as AIS are listed in Schedule A of the AIS Regulation.
Water-users and aquatic hobbyists play an important role in protecting Manitoba's water bodies and valuable aquatic resources from the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as Zebra Mussels and Spiny Waterflea. You can help stop AIS by learning about:
- the Manitoba government’s AIS Regulation and how they pertain to:
- the open-water and the winter (ice-covered) seasons
- watercraft (e.g., canoes, sailboats, Jet Skis®, power boats, paddle boards)
- water-related equipment (i.e., equipment that comes into contact with water)
- water-related aircraft (e.g., float planes)
- removing Zebra Mussels from a shoreline, such as in front of your cabin. To do so legally, a permit is required from the Manitoba government. Learn more here.
What is a decontamination?
A decontamination is a treatment that can involve a series of procedures to kill aquatic invasive species (AIS).
When is decontamination required?
The Manitoba government’s Aquatic Invasive Species Regulation under The Water Protection Act requires decontamination of:
- watercraft removed from an AIS Control Zone before placing into another water body OR control zone
- water-related equipment:
- that cannot be completely dried before placing into another water body
- removed from an AIS Control Zone before placing into another water body OR control zone
Who can conduct a decontamination?
Decontamination of a conveyance (e.g., watercraft, ORV, etc.) can be conducted:
- at a watercraft inspection station run by the Manitoba government
- on your own following Schedule B of the Manitoba government’s AIS Regulation
Decontamination of water-related equipment can be conducted:
- at a watercraft inspection station run by the Manitoba government
- on your own, following Schedule C of the Manitoba government’s AIS Regulation
Where can I go to get a decontamination?
Decontaminations can be performed at any of the Manitoba government's Watercraft Inspection stations. There is no fee for this service. Priority will be given to watercraft or water-related equipment that are required by law to be decontaminated. Courtesy decontaminations may be performed as time allows.
For up-to-date information on the location and operating hours of the Watercraft Inspection stations, click here.
Step-by-step method to self-decontaminate a watercraft, trailer and other water-related equipment (Schedules B and C)
The AIS Regulation prescribes thermal treatments, using either heat or cold to kill AIS, including Zebra Mussels, for watercraft and trailers. Thermal treatments can be used also to decontaminate water-related equipment, in addition, to other treatment options that can be found here. When using the hot water treatment there is no need to use soap or chemicals.