Inspection blitz to prevent the spread of Zebra mussels in Canada

Inspection blitz to prevent spread of Zebra mussels in Canada. Since being introduced into the Laurentian Great Lakes region in the 1980s, destructive Zebra Mussels have spread to waterbodies in southern Ontario, south and central Manitoba, southern Québec and New Brunswick. This aquatic invasive species (AIS) reproduces very quickly, and in addition to its negative ecological impacts, it can deteriorate infrastructure and property by attaching themselves to hard surfaces including boats, docks, rocks, plants and water intakes. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is committed to taking action to prevent further spread of all AIS, including Zebra Mussels, by conducting roadside inspections like the one held last month at the Manitoba and Ontario border. From June 21 to 23, DFO fishery officers, with support from provincial AIS inspection staff with the Manitoba Department of Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources, stopped 398 vehicles transporting watercraft ...