1. Invasive Species
Zebra mussels were found at 5 locations in Lake Winnipeg in October 2013.
Zebra Mussel Dispersal
Most likely by Overland transport via Dock/boat lift, Recreational and commercial boat traffic
Downstream drift and settlement of zebra mussel larvae
- ideally travel for a distance of miles in water.
-Reproduce in lakes/reservoirs (ideal habitat).
Zebra mussels will probably establish themselves in Orwell Reservoir, just downstream of Pelican Lake.
-But there are no lakes or reservoirs between Orwell Lake and Lake Winnipeg to create conditions that are conducive for zebra mussels to survive in large numbers. The distance between Orwell Lake and Lake Winnipeg is over 500 river-miles with nothing in between to warrant successful reproduction of zebra mussels at this time.
It is anticipated that over-land transportation of zebra mussels via recreational / commercial boats and bait buckets could be pose more risk relative to riverine transport of zebra mussels and their larvae.
Zebra mussels and other invasive species will be discussed at future Board meetings.
Means of Introduction: A release of larval mussels during the ballast exchange of a single commercial cargo ship traveling from the north shore of the Black Sea to the Great Lakes has been deduced as the likely vector of introduction to North America (McMahon 1996). Its rapid dispersal throughout the Great Lakes and major river systems was due to the passive drifting of the larval stage (the free-floating or "pelagic" veliger), and its ability to attach to boats navigating these lakes and rivers (see Remarks, below). Its rapid range expansion into connected waterways was probably due to barge traffic where it is theorized that attached mussels were scraped or fell off during routine navigation. Overland dispersal is also a possibility for aiding zebra mussel range expansion. Many small inland lakes near the Great Lakes unconnected by waterways but accessed by individuals trailering their boats from infested waters, have populations of zebra mussels living in them. At least nineteen trailered boats crossing into California had zebra mussels attached to their hulls or in motor compartments; all were found during inspections at agricultural inspection stations. Under cool, humid conditions, zebra mussels can stay alive for several days out of water. 1

2. Invasive Species (Continued)
In the Fall of 2013, Manitoba announced the discovery of zebra mussels in 6 harbors in the south basin of Lake Winnipeg.
In the spring of 2014, potassium was applied to the infected harbors in the attempt to eradicate the zebra mussels.
The potassium application appeared to have been successful in the locations where it was used.
In August 2014, Manitoba announced that it had discovered zebra mussel veligers in the water column at 6 locations in the south basin in Lake Winnipeg.
By late August 2014, veligers and juvenile zebra mussels were being discovered in the water column, on floating debris and rocky substrate.
On August 29, 2014 Manitoba announced the “Don’t Move a Mussel” campaign to prevent the transference of zebra mussels from Lake Winnipeg to other water bodies. 3