Emerson, Manitoba - Aquatic invasive species pose a serious threat to our environment, to species at risk across Canada, and to industries that rely on aquatic resources such as fisheries and aquaculture. This summer, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) collaborated with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) on a pilot project to inspect and decontaminate boats at the international border crossing in Emerson, Manitoba, in order to verify if all watercraft entering Canada were free of Zebra Mussels and other aquatic invasive species.
From June-October 2022, watercraft entering Canada at the border crossing were inspected by DFO program and fishery officers, as well as CBSA border services officers, to prevent invasive species from accidentally being imported. Where it was deemed there could be a risk, the pilot project enabled watercraft to be decontaminated right at the port of entry. Vessels with visible aquatic invasive species attached were denied entry by the CBSA.
The pilot project helped travelers to understand the risk of aquatic invasive species entering Canadian waters. Over 600 watercraft were inspected: of that number approximately 69% were compliant with Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations (the Regulations), while roughly 22% of inspected boats required decontamination. A further 9% required their drain plugs be removed in order to be compliant with the Regulations. DFO issued 51 directions under the Regulations, two watercraft were denied entry for carrying aquatic invasive species, and three watercraft were denied entry for being overly soiled. This underscores the importance of helping travelers understand the need to properly clean, drain, and dry their watercraft. The Department will use the results of this pilot to inform its next steps to mitigate the risk of aquatic invasive species from arriving on overland boat traffic.
