WINNIPEG — Manitoba will spend another $500,000 to prevent the spread of Zebra Mussels.
The invasive species has been found in the Red River, Lake Winnipeg as well as Cedar Lake.
“The principle goal at this point is to prevent the spread to rest of the lakes in Manitoba,” Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Tom Nevakshonoff said.
On Monday the province said it would increase funding to $1 million to allow for more research and boat inspections.
READ MORE: Zebra mussels cost Canadians billions each year; cost to Manitobans still unknown
In 2014 the province poured half a million dollars in liquid potash into the four harbors of Lake Winnipeg in an attempt to eradicate the species. It now says eradication is not on the agenda. The minister says the plan now is mitigation and containment.
Earlier this month a water quality expert told Global News the Zebra Mussel problem on the lake is a lost cause.
“The problem is irreversible and in fact it’s a catastrophe, it’s a disaster,” said Dr. Eva Pip, a professor at the University of Winnipeg who specializes in water quality and water ecosystems.
Nevakshonoff disagrees with that assessment.
“I don’t think any of us should contemplate for a moment on giving up on any struggle to combat this invasive species,” Nevakshonoff said. “The Lake will change, how…remains to be seen.”
Comments