Aquatic Invasive Species

Planning a trip to Manitoba? Returning to Manitoba?

Know Before You Go…

You can help protect Manitoba from aquatic invasive species (AIS). This planning tool will make sure you:

• know your responsibilities.
• are aware of requirements if traveling between different jurisdictions. For example, if traveling from the U.S., you must meet:
  • federal AIS requirements to enter Canada, and
  • provincial AIS requirements when in Manitoba.

Entering Canada

Traveller Requirements for Watercraft and Water-related Equipment

To enter Canada, in addition to not possessing the species listed below, watercraft and water-related equipment must be:

• cleaned of aquatic plants, animals, mud and debris,
• drained of water, and
• dry.

Canada has import bans in place for certain AIS species. This means they cannot be used for any purpose (e.g., food, aquarium, bait) and pertain to all travellers including individuals hauling recreational watercraft and commercial importers entering or moving within Canada.

You may not bring into Canada:

• Zebra Mussels
• Quagga Mussels 
• Bighead Carp
• Silver Carp
• Black Carp
• Grass Carp
• Any controlled species
  •  i.e., species that are not indigenous to a certain area of Canada and can pose a moderate to high risk to Canada’s aquatic ecosystems if introduced.

Federal Float Plane Requirements

Before departing an AIS invaded water body, pilots must ensure their:

• float planes are free of aquatic vegetation, debris and attached mussels, and that
• floats/ pontoons are completely drained and dried as much as possible

Federal Commercial Importer Requirements

• It is the responsibility of importers (e.g., finfish, crustacean and mollusc importers, watercraft haulers, and construction equipment haulers) to become familiar with the federal, provincial or territorial legislation respecting aquatic invasive species.

Refer to:

• Import Prohibitions and Requirements for Commercial Importers of Aquatic Species and for Travellers Under the (Federal) Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Invasive (Asian) Carp or Quagga Mussel webpages

Federal Bait Import Requirements

Live bait fish (e.g., minnows) and invertebrates (e.g., worms and leeches) cannot be brought into Canada without a permit from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). This includes personal use such as recreational angling.

Refer to:

• Protecting Canada from Invasive Species – Bait for recreational fishing

Entering Manitoba

Provincial Water-related Equipment and Watercraft Requirements

Provincial AIS requirements apply:

• when in or entering Manitoba.
• whenever travellers move between any provincial, territorial, state, or federal jurisdiction (e.g., National Park, International border, traveling from Ontario to Manitoba).
  • For example, Riding Mountain National Park located in Manitoba is under federal jurisdiction. When you leave this park, you enter a provincial jurisdiction.

Provincial Clean, Drain, Dry Requirements

Always Clean, Drain and Dry items before leaving the shore if they have come into contact with water from a lake, river, wetland etc. These steps are the best way to prevent the spread of AIS.

In Manitoba, AIS requirements:

• help you to become free of AIS.
• apply year-round.
• require anyone transporting motorized or non-motorized watercraft to stop at all open watercraft inspection stations along their route of travel.

To help you comply with the Manitoba government’s AIS Regulation, refer to the:

• Open-water season checklist
• Winter (ice-covered) season checklist
• Watercraft Inspection Program webpage for station locations and operating hours

Provincial Bait Use, and Bait Requirements

Bait use presents a risk for introducing new invasive species and diseases into Manitoba. To reduce these risks be sure to:

• Purchase and use locally sourced bait.
• Never move fish, or fish parts from one water body to another.
• Be aware crayfish (e.g., crawdads, crawfish, little lobsters) cannot be used as bait.  Possession of crayfish is prohibited in Manitoba.
• Know the rules when using live or dead bait in AIS Control Zones.

Refer to: 

• Bait, Bait Use and Aquatic Invasive Species
• The Manitoba Anglers' Guide

Provincial Water-based Aircraft Requirements

Manitoba’s aquatic invasive species requirements for water-based aircraft (e.g., float planes) depend on which water bodies are being used. Specific requirements are in place if using zebra mussel invaded water bodies.

Refer to:

• the Water-based Aircraft Operators’ Checklist.

Leaving Manitoba and Entering Other Canadian Provinces or Territories

If travelling with water-related equipment or watercraft outside of Manitoba, ensure to check the AIS legislation and regulations of all jurisdictions through which you may be traveling - including your destination jurisdiction.

Checking in advance will help you avoid potential travel disruptions and potential fines.

Mandatory watercraft inspections are required in Manitoba when AIS inspection stations are open. Check other jurisdictions for traveller inspection requirements.