Zebra mussels detected in samples from St. Malo reservoir

Zebra mussels have been detected ina popular reservoir in southeastern Manitoba, the province says.

Two samplestaken as part of an ongoing monitoring program from St. Malo reservoir, a man-made lakein St. Malo Provincial Park, came back positive for the invasive species the province said in a news release Monday.

An early detection rapid response plan for aquatic invasive species has been launched in the area, the province says, and signage has been placed around the reservoir to explain the required steps to decontaminate watercraft and other equipment to prevent further spread.

Manitoba Conservation officers arealso keeping watch in the area to ensure compliance with the requirements and to provide education.

Canoes, kayaks and other non-motorized watercraft frequent the reservoir, alongside thousands of beachgoers, the province says. The reservoir is not currently open to watercraft with gas-powered motors.

The two positive samples are a reminder to stay vigilant against zebra mussels, the province says.

Last week,Parks Canada found another adult zebra mussel in western Manitoba'sClear Lake, in an area wherewater samples collectedfrom June 19 to 27 had also tested positive for environmental DNA from zebra mussels.

Thatsuggests zebra mussels havefurther established in the largest body of water in Riding Mountain National Park.

Zebra mussels are an invasive species. InManitoba, they were first detected in Lake Winnipeg in 2013, and have since been detected in several other bodies of water in the province.

The species is a concern because if they spread, zebra mussels will choke out everything else in a lake, since they reproduce quickly, with millions of mussels forming carpets on the bottoms of boats and along lake bottoms,biologists say.

The province is reminding Manitobans to clean, drain and dry any watercraft, whether motorized or not, when leaving a body of water. That includes anywater-related equipment, such as fishing gear, beach toys orpersonal floatation devices.

The province also says anyone transporting watercraft over land must stop at each watercraft inspection station on their route.