Emerson, Manitoba - Preventing aquatic invasive species from entering Canadian waters is vital to protecting our freshwater ecosystems. This year marked the fourth consecutive season that Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), in collaboration with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), inspected and decontaminated watercraft to ensure they were free of Zebra Mussels and other aquatic invasive species, safeguarding our ecosystems, biodiversity, and economy.
This spring through fall, DFO and CBSA staff conducted 772 watercraft inspections at the Emerson-Pembina international border crossing in southern Manitoba. Watercraft were inspected to ensure they were cleaned, drained, dried and free of any aquatic invasive species.
The results of this year's inspections underscore the importance of cleaning, draining and drying watercraft and gear after leaving a body of water to help prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species:
- 249 watercraft (32.3%) had not been cleaned, drained, or dried and failed the inspection.
- 49 decontaminations (6.3%) were performed.
- 27 watercraft (3.5%) were denied entry into Canada, all as a result of being contaminated with mussels.
These results emphasize the need for continued monitoring.
DFO plans to continue the Emerson-Pembina watercraft inspections in collaboration with CBSA in 2026. This ongoing effort aims to ensure the protection of Canada's freshwaters for future generations.
