Fisherman warns zebra mussels could destroy Grand Beach

A Lake Winnipeg fisherman says it's only a matter of time before zebra mussels find their way to the lake – endangering Manitoba's prized beaches.

A new report released Thursday said the mussels have already infested several sites on the Red River in North Dakota. They were also recently found in Selkirk.

"It's literally dynamite. Here, where all the lakes and water that we have, and we sat on our you-know-what, and wouldn't listen to anything. All of a sudden they're here," said Robert Kristjansen. "This is terrible."

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Mussels were found in Lake Winnipeg last year, but the province believed it had eradicated them.

Kristjansen said if they find their way back, it could destroy popular sandy spots like Grand Beach.

"The first storm – because they're going to be on the hard bottom – and a storm is going to kill them and wash them ashore, and you would be about to walk because you'll cut your feet," said Kristjansen.

He said the pickerel population is also at risk.

Kristjansen wants mandatory boat checks at the U.S. border to keep them out. 

On Friday, Manitoba Conservation announced inspection stations with decontamination units would be available for boaters at Selkirk Park in Selkirk and St. Vital Park in Winnipeg all weekend.

In addition, a watercraft inspection team was scheduled to rove between Gimli and Winnipeg Beach on the south basin of Lake Winnipeg.