The Province is investing an additional $540,000 to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS), including a new fund to deliver AIS prevention resources to partners  in the fight.

The new fund will provide resources to municipal governments, Indigenous governments, non-government organizations and water-user groups, to help implement AIS prevention programs, projects and supports.

In addition, $130,000 will be invested for equipment dedicated to AIS prevention and mitigation efforts.

The human-caused spread of AIS is preventable. Water users are reminded to clean, drain and dry watercraft and water-related equipment to prevent the spread of AIS. Anglers are also reminded it is illegal to import live bait into Manitoba.

Later this spring, watercraft inspection stations will be set up throughout Manitoba to help water users comply with AIS requirements. Anyone transporting motorized or non-motorized watercraft over land must stop at all open watercraft inspection stations along their route. Operating schedules for these stations will be posted on the AIS website.

Manitobans are legally required to clean, drain and dry both motorized and non-motorized watercraft. This includes power boats, jet skis, sailboats, stand-up paddle boards, canoes and kayaks, as well as all water-related equipment including:

• watercraft trailers;
• fishing gear;
• paddles and anchors;
• farm and industrial gear such as water pumps;
• personal flotation devices including life jackets;
• beach toys (such as sand pails and shovels);
• floating devices and inflatables (such as tubes, rafts, water mats and hunting decoys); and
• scuba and snorkeling gear.