What are Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)?
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.
How You Can Help Stop Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)
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.
- aquatic invasive species of most concern in Manitoba and outside of Manitoba, how to identify them, where they are located and how they can be transported from one waterbody to another;
- actions the Manitoba government is taking to proactively manage aquatic invasive species; and
- actions that individuals and communities can take to prevent the movement of aquatic invasive species.
Manitoba's Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention and Response Plan
Manitoba's Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention and Response Plan was released on July 9, 2024.
Manitoba's Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention and Response Plan provides information on:
Everyone has a role to play in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species. Read Manitoba's Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention and Response Plan to learn more about what you can do. As a first step, please consider sharing this poster.
