Aquatic Invasive Species

The document identifies the lower Winnipeg River basin (LWRB) as being at high risk for the transport of aquatic invasive species (AIS) due to recreational activities. While spiny waterflea is confirmed in the LWRB, other high-concern species like zebra mussels and rusty crayfish are present in the wider Winnipeg River basin but not the lower basin. The basin is noted to have moderate suitability for zebra mussel colonization based on calcium concentrations.

• The lower Winnipeg River basin (LWRB) faces a high risk of aquatic invasive species (AIS) transport because of its popularity with vacationers and cottagers who use in-water-contact gear such as anchors, ropes, buckets, nets, and boats.
• Among the top AIS of concern, only the spiny waterflea (Bythotrephes longimanus) has a confirmed presence in the LWRB. Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) and rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) are present in the entire Winnipeg River basin—specifically Lake Winnipeg and Falcon Lake, Manitoba, respectively—but are absent from the LWRB. Quagga mussels and Asian carp are absent from both the LWRB and the wider basin.
• The establishment of AIS in the LWRB could negatively impact the local economy, drinking water, recreation, Manitoba hydroelectric stations, and populations of invertebrates and fish, as well as habitats.

APA

International Institute for Sustainable Development (2021). Aquatic Invasive Species. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2021-06/winnipeg-river-basin-sheet-6-aquatic-invasive-species.pdf

Chicago

International Institute for Sustainable Development. Aquatic Invasive Species. 2021. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2021-06/winnipeg-river-basin-sheet-6-aquatic-invasive-species.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=International Institute for Sustainable Development |title=Aquatic Invasive Species |date=May 2021 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2021-06/winnipeg-river-basin-sheet-6-aquatic-invasive-species.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{internationalinstituteforsustainabledevelopment2021aquatic, author = {{International Institute for Sustainable Development}}, title = {{Aquatic Invasive Species}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2021}, month = may, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2021-06/winnipeg-river-basin-sheet-6-aquatic-invasive-species.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }