Aquatic Invasive Species and the Law
The new Aquatic Invasive Species Regulation (Reg. 173/2015) came into effect on Nov. 2, 2015. Here is what it means to you:
Watercraft: All boaters must inspect their watercraft and motors for mud, aquatic plants and AIS like visible zebra mussels prior to launching and upon removal from the water. Boaters must also empty live wells and other water containers on board and pull the drain plug prior to moving the boat. Water-related equipment (see below) must be dry prior to launching.
Trucks, trailers, docks, etc: Boaters must inspect their trailers and the vehicles they used to launch their boat in a similar manner to their boat, as noted above. This also applies to “water-related equipment” such as depth finders, anchors, and ropes, and to docks that are being moved.
Please note the above rules only apply if a boat or other equipment is being transported. Watercraft and docks that are left on shore near the same body of water they were pulled from, with no intention of moving them to another body of water, are not subject to these same rules. The only requirement in that case is to remove and report the AIS.
Emergency vehicles responding to emergencies are also exempt from the regulations.
Float planes: Float plane operators must remove AIS, plants and mud from their pontoons and cables prior to takeoff. If and when the floats are pumped out, the expelled water must be captured in a container and dumped on shore, far enough that it doesn’t drain immediately back into the water.
The above rules apply to all Manitoba waters. Anyone discovering an AIS outside of a Control Zone is required to report it to Manitoba Conservation. The Control Zones are as follows:
Central Control Zone (for spiny water flea and zebra mussels): Lake Winnipeg, Cedar Lake, entire Red River, entire Nelson River system
Whiteshell Control Zone (for black algae): Betula Lake, Jessica Lake, White Lake, Whiteshell River from Jessica Lake to Winnipeg River
Buffalo Bay and Winnipeg River Control Zones (for spiny water flea): Manitoba portion of Lake of the Woods and the entire Winnipeg River
Control zones: When removing a boat or related equipment from these control zones, decontamination is required. Live bait must be discarded on land prior to leaving a control zone. Float planes must treat their pontoons with anti-fouling paint if they are to be moored in the Central Control Zone waters for more than 12 hours.
APPROVED DECONTAMINATION METHODS
Watercraft may be decontaminated at a decontamination station, or using either of the following approved methods. Decontamination must take place on land and in a location that ensures all water used does not drain into a water body or storm sewer system.
Method A - Complete all applicable steps for the watercraft being decontaminated.
1. Physically remove all visible aquatic invasive species, aquatic plants and mud from the watercraft.
2. Clean the exterior of the watercraft using hot water (minimum 60C) that is discharged at a pressure between 40 to 60 psi. The water must be sprayed no more than 10 cm from the surface being cleaned. All surfaces being cleaned must receive a minimum of 10 seconds of exposure to the hot water.
3. Decontaminate the engine by running the motor while flushing it with hot water (minimum 60C) for 130 seconds.
4. Decontaminate the live well, bait well, wet storage compartments and bilge areas by flushing with hot water (minimum 50C) for 90 seconds or filling with hot water (minimum 55C) and letting stand for a minimum 130 seconds before draining.
5. Decontaminate ballast tanks by filling with hot water (minimum 55C) and letting stand for a minimum 130 seconds before draining.
OR
Method B - Physically remove all visible aquatic invasive species, aquatic plants and mud and expose the watercraft to temperatures below -10C for three consecutive days.
Watercraft trailers, docks and boat lifts may be decontaminated by cleaning all exterior surfaces using hot water (minimum 60C) that is discharged at a pressure between 40 to 60 psi. The water must be sprayed no more than 10 cm from the surface being cleaned. All surfaces being cleaned must receive a minimum of 10 seconds of exposure to the hot water.
Water-related equipment (depth finders, anchors, etc) may be decontaminated using any of the following treatments:
Bleach: Mix 100 ml of bleach with 1 L of water. Submerge item for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
Vinegar: Submerge item in undiluted vinegar for 60 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
Hydrogen peroxide: Mix 64 ml of peroxide with 1 L of water. Submerge item for 60 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
Salt water: Mix 10 ml of table salt with 1 L of water. Submerge item for 24 hours. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
Hot water: Submerge item in water at least 60C for 10 minutes. Wipe down and dry.
Pressure wash: Clean with hot water (minimum 60C) that is discharged at a pressure between 40 to 60 psi. The water must be sprayed no more than 10 cm from the surface being cleaned for at least 20 seconds.
Cold: Expose item to temperatures of at least -10C for 3 consecutive days.