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Réserve faunique Ashuapmushuan Mikaël Rondeau | © Sépaq
Aquatic invasive species

Lake protection measures

Sépaq is involved in the fight against aquatic invasive species (AIS) and is providing greater protection for the bodies of water under its management.

Rules concerning the use of personal watercraft

In order to reduce the risk of spreading these aquatic invasive species in our lakes, certain measures regarding the use of personal watercraft are in place at our fishing destinations.

Consult the rules that apply at our fishing destinations regarding the use of personal watercraft during a stay or an activity.

Applicable rules by destination

Please note that for fishing activities, you must refer to the fishing plans of the establishments to determine whether it's possible to use your personal boat (towed or not) on the body of water in question.

Pêche sur un lac

Precautions to take

To avoid inadvertently transporting these species, some precautions must be taken during transportation of a watercraft from one waterbody to another: 

  1. Inspect and remove all plant fragments or mud residues - pay special attention to the trailer and the underside of the vessel.
  2. Drain watercraft bilge, livewell, motor and other water containing devices before launching.
  3. Clean the watercraft at a washing station or allow the vessel and equipment that have been in contact with water dry completely.
  4. Repeat the process before going to any new waterbody.

Thorough inspection can greatly reduce the risk of spreading these species if it is carried out before each watercraft launch.

Thank you for actively helping to protect the environment and to maintain the quality of fishing.

Washing stations in Réserve faunique La Vérendrye

To reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species on its waterways, Réserve faunique La Vérendrye is offering five cleaning stations for personal watercraft. The washing stations are available at all times during the summer period. They are available free of charge.

Réserve faunique La Vérendrye
Réserve faunique La Vérendrye Émile David | © Sépaq
Fokus Productions | © Sépaq

Find out more about aquatic invasive species

The introduction of an AIS in a lake can lead to significant ecological, economic, and social impacts which in turn can

  • Adversely affect sport fishing and water activities.
  • Reduce the quality of fishing and affect lake performances.
  • Damage aquatic ecosystems and harm indigenous species.

How do these species spread?

Two aquatic invasive species are currently under surveillance in Sépaq destinations: an aquatic plant, the eurasian watermilfoil, and a small crustacean, the spiny water flea.

Eurasian watermilfoil

When loading your boat on a trailer, stem fragments can stay stuck or caught on equipment. These fragments can then survive up to 35 hours out of the water and take root if they are deposited in a new waterbody, quickly creating a new population. Herbaria spreading over a number of hectares can form in just a few years.

Spiny water flea

Contrary to the Eurasian watermilfoil whose fragments are easily observable, spiny water flea adults are 1.5 cm long and they, along with their eggs, can be found in the residual water of watercraft (in the bilge, motor, and livewell for example) and then discharged in a new waterbody. In the open air, spiny water fleas and their eggs can only survive six hours. It is therefore extremely important to properly drain all the residual water and let your watercraft dry completely.

For more information, see our Frequently Asked Questions.

Eurasian watermilfoil Isabelle Simard | © Sépaq
Spiny water flea Jeff Gunderson | © Sépaq

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