The zebra mussels situation in Riding Mountain National Park got worse recently after Parks Canada staff reported finding six living juvenile specimens attached to infrastructure on the north shore of Clear Lake.

These invasive mussels were found on Sept. 19 and 20 and were visually confirmed by representatives from Parks Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Province of Manitoba’s aquatic invasive species program.

With this new information, Parks Canada staff will analyze the options for a potential eradication treatment using the best evidence available and in consultation with third-party experts in the field.

In the meantime, the temporary watercraft management measures for Clear Lake remain in place and Boat Cove remains closed to the public until further notice.

Parks Canada will provide further updates as information becomes available.

Zebra mussel infestations cost Manitoba taxpayers an estimated $10 million per year. This cost includes keeping mussels off critical freshwater infrastructure, such as hydroelectric dams and drinking water pipes.

When the damage to the Lake Winnipeg fishery and Manitoba tourism are taken into account, the total economic costs may be considerably higher.

Parks Canada is a recognized leader in conservation, takes actions to ensure the long-term health of national park and has a proven track record of effective ecosystem management.

The organization is committed to protecting the health of Clear Lake and the greater watershed, officials say.

Parks Canada is urging continued patience and understanding while staff and management partners assess this new development.