Enforcement officers now have the authority to issue a ticket at a set fine for a variety of offences involving aquatic invasive species (AIS) and watercraft.

Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires announced this change to ensure boaters and watercraft are following the steps to reduce the spread of AIS.

“We know that Manitobans support our effort to prevent the spread of AIS, and most boaters are responsible about following the steps to clean, drain and dry their equipment,” Squires says. “We need to ensure all boaters get on board with protecting our environment and that is the reason why we are making a series of changes.”

Laws around AIS is nothing new says Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist Candace Parks. In 2015 the province of Manitoba brought in legislation around AIS under the Water Protection Act.

When it comes to AIS, many think of the small clam-like creature zebra mussels, Parks says, some only see zebra mussels as an inconvenience or nuisance. However, they can cause severe social, economic, recreational impacts on Manitoba and they could be here forever.

"People ask me quite often, when are we getting rid of them? And I say once they establish we can't."

Parks notes for the zebra mussel population in Lake Winnipeg the province now has to manage the effects of them indefinitely

There are a number of control zones set up where zebra mussels have or are expected to invade. These locations require extra attention to watercraft and equipment after use. These places include portions of Buffalo Bay, Winnipeg River, Nelson River, Saskatchewan River/Cedar Lake, Whiteshell, Lake Winnipeg and the Red River.

There are currently 15 aquatic invasive species in the province, zebra mussels act as the poster child for the issue; spiny water flea, rusty crayfish and Asian carp are examples of other invasive species.

Though these species have established in some waterways; it is possible to stop them from spreading to other areas, says Parks.

Steps to take include cleaning any visible AIS or aquatic plants before leaving the shore, draining water from equipment, and dry the object or watercraft before moving to another body of water.

Larval zebra mussels, called veligers, are microscopic and can survive in small amounts of water.

"So they can be anywhere in water in a waterbody, and you would not be able to see them. So we say drain all your water, drain it from your live well, your bait bucket, your motor, anything that has water get rid of it."

By removing the water and drying the craft you remove any chance of spreading AIS, says Parks.

The new fines include a variety of offences including possessing a prohibited species, such as zebra mussels, failing to stop at watercraft inspection stations, or failing to remove their drain plug when transporting watercraft.

Set fines carry a range of penalties, depending on the offence. Fines start at $174 for failing to possess a transportation authorization for a watercraft that has not been decontaminated and climb through a variety of steps, including a $2,542 fine for failing to decontaminate a watercraft.