What are Zebra Mussels ?

Zebra Mussel is an aquatic invasive species that causes important damages to ecosystems and infrastructure. Ontario must already spend over 250 million dollars. Solely on repairing damages caused by Zebra Mussels.

Juvenile zebra mussels are microscopic larvae that live in water columns and move with the current, but can also be transported by boats, watercrafts as well as nautical and fishing equipment. Colonies were found in Témiscouata Lake in September 2022, and the Madawaska River has been in immediate danger of being contaminated by zebra mussels ever since.

We ask the population to be vigilant to the possible presence of zebra mussels and to adopt good practices to limit the potential propagation of the mussel.

It is important to clean watercrafts as well as nautical and fishing equipment when we change body of water in order to prevent spreading the zebra mussel. You can clean your watercrafts and equipment at a boat washing station, like the newly installed one at Lac Baker, or at home by washing, draining and drying (for several days in the Sun) your equipment.

You must not only clean your boat, but also all nautical cratfs and equipment. This includes jet skis, kayaks, canoes, paddles boards, life jackets, tackle boxes and other fishing equipment, etc. You can learn more about it here.

What is Clean, Drain, Dry

Clean: Remove all visible vegetation, debris and mud from the watercraft. Wash the propeller, hull, rudder and all equipment that comes in contact with the water, including paddles, personal flotation devices (PFD) and the trailer. For maximum efficiency, it is recommended that you use a pressure washer with hot water (60o C) to clean the boat and all equipment that has been exposed to the water. Ideally, you should wash the watercraft and all equipment 30 m away from any watercourse to ensure that the wash water (and any invasive species) does not end up in the water body.

Drain: Drain all the water from the boat, including the livewell, storage compartments, the hold and the motor. Make sure there is no water left in any internal compartments, such as coolers, livewells, storage areas, the motor or the hold.

Dry: Dry all of the equipment, including the ropes, fenders, oars, paddles and personal flotation devices (PFD), until there is no water left anywhere on the inside or outside of the watercraft. For optimal drying, let the watercraft and equipment air dry in the sun for five days. If that’s not possible, be sure to wipe all areas with a towel.