167 watercraft inspected at invasive species ‘blitz’

Almost 200 watercraft were inspected as part of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s first aquatic invasive species roadside blitz in Manitoba.

A partnership with the provincial government, the blitz took place from May 29 to May 31 on Highway 1 near the Manitoba-Ontario border, said a news release from the fisheries department’s prairie region.

Of the 167 watercraft inspected, 99 were compliant, 68 failed and 14 required decontamination. Only one was found with zebra mussels.

According to the fisheries department, invasive aquatic species threaten freshwater ecosystems and infrastructure and anyone found violating legislation to prevent their spread may be subject to fines up to $100,000.