Winnipeg, Manitoba - The Government of Canada is taking action to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as Zebra and Quagga Mussels. AIS threaten aquatic ecosystems, infrastructure, and the economy by reproducing rapidly, disrupting native habitats, and creating costly challenges for industries and local communities. Canadians can help prevent the spread of AIS by properly cleaning, draining and drying their watercraft before moving them to new bodies of water.
This summer, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), in partnership with the Manitoba Government, conducted joint roadside inspections along Highway 1 (the Trans-Canada Highway) near the Manitoba-Ontario border to stop and inspect watercraft for AIS and to ensure they were cleaned, drained and dried before crossing the provincial border.
Following successful roadside inspection blitzes in May and June, DFO and Manitoba jointly conducted a third blitz from July 17 to 19, 2026.
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 519 eastbound and westbound vehicles transporting 616 watercraft or related equipment. Of these:
- 479 watercraft were compliant with clean, drain, dry requirements.
- 137 watercraft were not cleaned, drained, or dried and failed the AIS inspection.
- 15 watercraft required decontamination and drivers were provided instructions on how to comply with prevention measures in the future.
- 0 watercraft had visible Zebra Mussels present.
Preventing the introduction and spread of AIS is essential to safeguarding Canada's waterways. Ensuring watercraft and equipment are properly cleaned, drained, and dried before travelling between waterbodies helps prevent AIS from being introduced to, and established in, new bodies of water.
