Winnipeg, Manitoba - Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), in partnership with the Manitoba government, has completed the first aquatic invasive species (AIS) roadside inspection blitz of the 2026 summer season. The operation took place on Highway 1 (the Trans-Canada Highway) near the Manitoba-Ontario border, from May 29 to 31, 2026. This initiative supports efforts to protect freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity by preventing the spread of AIS such as Zebra and Quagga mussels, which can be transported on watercraft and related equipment.
AIS threaten freshwater ecosystems, infrastructure, and the economy by reproducing rapidly, disrupting native habitats, damaging water intake systems, and creating costly challenges for industries and local communities. During the three-day inspection blitz, DFO's AIS Core Program and fishery officers, along with Manitoba conservation officers, patrol officers, and staff from Manitoba's AIS program, stopped and inspected a total of 136 westbound vehicles transporting 167 watercraft or related equipment. Of these:
- 99 watercraft were compliant with clean, drain, dry requirements.
- 68 watercraft were not cleaned, drained, or dried and failed the AIS inspection.
- 14 watercraft required decontamination and drivers were provided instructions on how to comply with prevention measures in the future.
- 1 watercraft had visible Zebra Mussels present.
Preventing the introduction and spread of AIS is essential to safeguarding Canada's waterways. Ensuring watercraft are properly cleaned, drained, and dried helps prevent AIS from being introduced to, and established in, new bodies of water.
