Monitoring for invasive species increased at Clear Lake

By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press

As of Feb. 20, staff at Riding Mountain National Park have begun increased monitoring and testing for invasive aquatic species in Clear Lake. Park staff are working alongside Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Ontario and Prairie Region) and the

Province of Manitoba for this additional monitoring and testing.

This announcement was made by Parks Canada via media release on Feb. 16, which noted that these measures were necessary after a positive test result for environmental DNA (eDNA) for zebra mussels was returned on Jan. 23.

Parks Canada stressed that zebra mussels have not been found in Riding Mountain National Park and all three subsequent test results have been negative.

“When DNA shows up in the environment, it could be due to multiple factors,” said Parks Canada. “It is possible that DNA came to Clear Lake on a boat, water toy, or other source, without the transfer of any living mussels.”

Parks Canada added, “The eDNA does not pose a threat to the lake or the ecosystem, but can be an early warning flag and Parks Canada is taking precautions accordingly. In the coming weeks, visitors may see park staff conducting scientific monitoring on the ice of Clear Lake.”

A temporary laboratory building on the shore at Boat Cove will also be present during the testing and monitoring period. All visitors are asked to stay well away from any research activities or dive sites.

Parks Canada greatly appreciates the cooperation of all lake users at this time, stating, “Cooperation and compliance are invaluable to our invasive species program.”

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