From the spring of 2020 to fall 2022, the Invasive Species Centre with funding from Fisheries and Oceans Canada had deployed a CD3 unit in Lake MacGregor, Alberta, where the only known population of Chinese Mystery Snail in the province exists. The CD3, a mobile watercraft cleaning unit, provides public with the tools to properly clean, drain, and dry their equipment and watercraft to mitigate the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). It also belongs to a pilot study on the efficacy of using this technology to prevent AIS spread, and in doing so support Species At Risk in Canada.
About AIS
Cleaning watercraft and related equipment is an important step in reducing spread of aquatic invasive species and as a result supporting aquatic Species At Risk. AIS include fish, invertebrate or plant species that have been introduced into a new aquatic environment, outside of their natural range, and that have the capacity to spread and grow in population size due to their adaptive characteristics. They become successful inhabitants of their new range by outcompeting native species for food and space, which can be detrimental to aquatic ecosystems and under and overwater biodiversity. Some AIS also have the capacity to negatively impact infrastructure should they attach to or clog drainage systems.
Examples of notorious AIS include zebra and quagga mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, sea lamprey, and Asian carps which have all been responsible for negatively altering the natural environments which they have invaded.
How the CD3 works
The CD3 is a mobile cleaning instrument designed to supporting watercraft users in curbing the introduction and spread of AIS. When placed next to boat launches or water entry points, the CD3 provides boaters with the tools to properly clean, drain, and dry their equipment and safely remove any species that could otherwise be transported to nearby lakes. AIS can attach to parts of watercraft including the anchor, propeller, dock lines, live wells, hull, rollers, bunks, bilge, motor, as well as part of the towing trailer including the axle, rails, or even the licence plate. AIS are not discriminate and can attach to boats ranging in size from a canoe to a barge!
Watercraft users have numerous responsibilities prescribed under various provincial regulations to clean, drain, and dry their equipment. Most of these are simple steps that can be done without additional equipment or expertise and the CD3 provides an accessible means to boaters to complete these practices. The CD3 intentionally fosters improved boater behaviour in the scope of AIS prevention and attempts to showcase the actions that may be routinely taken by recreators with or without a CD3 unit.
The CD3 unit contains a wet/dry vacuum, air compressor, three hand tools, and lighting for public use. The vacuum can be used for absorption and removal of excess water left on the watercraft and any organisms within it. It’s powered by solar panels and its tools are remotely monitored by sensors.
In some situations, supporting watercraft users with additional tools may increase their effectiveness in removing AIS. Although it may not be feasible to deploy these tools at every boat launch, these enhanced cleaning measures may support strategically important efforts to prevent AIS spread.
Why Lake MacGregor?
The aim of the CD3 placement on Lake MacGregor is reduce likelihood of unintentional spread of Chinese mystery snail from Lake McGregor into neighbouring waterways. Because it is the only known location of this species in Alberta, it’s critical that boaters in the area remove any potential individuals that may attach to equipment so as not to transfer them across the region.
CD3 watercraft cleaning units have been used in some states in the U.S. by local stakeholders to prevent AIS from leaving a waterbody. Local reception has been positive, and studies show their presence enhances watercraft users’ efforts to comply with AIS mitigation regulations and best practices. Until now this equipment has not been used in Canada.
What can you do?
Use the CD3!
If you see a CD3 unit, use it! It is free for public use and a great means for cleaning your equipment from AIS. Utilize the CD3 app for step-by-step instructions for cleaning your items.
Clean, Drain, Dry!
Even if a CD3 unit is not available, always clean, drain, and dry your equipment when leaving a waterbody so as not to unintentionally transport any AIS with you. Make sure you are cleaning every part of your boat, including your equipment.
Report AIS if you see them!
Report any sightings of AIS on the EDDMaps website, or if you’re in Ontario, you can also call the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711. If possible, take a photo of the species for reference.
