5 vehicles transporting zebra mussels stopped at Manitoba-Ontario border in June

Five vehicles transporting watercraft were stopped at the Manitoba-Ontario border last month because zebra mussels were found on them.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada says those vehicles were among 398 that were stopped at the border for roadside inspection between June 21-23.

Of those, five were found to be transporting the highly invasive species; and 104 were transporting watercraft or equipment that were not clean, drained, or dry.

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Drivers who failed the inspection had their watercraft and equipment decontaminated, and were given instructions for how to comply with requirements.

Zebra mussels are small, clam-like aquatic species that are native to eastern Europe. They spread quickly through reproduction and invade new areas.

Zebra mussels have been found in bodies of water in Ontario, Manitoba, Quebec and New Brunswick.

Earlier this year, the Manitoba government said Parks Canada was considering closing Clear Lake, one of the province’s biggest destinations for boaters, because of zebra mussels.

“Aquatic invasive species threaten biodiversity by altering food webs, damaging habitats and out-competing native species, causing serious harm to Canada’s aquatic ecosystems,” Fisheries and Oceans Minister Diane Lebouthillier said in a statement.