Aquatic invasive species or A-I-S are organisms not native to an area or region, have a negative impact, and usually live in or around the water.

These species, once introduced to an area, are impossible to eradicate.

Candace Parks is an Aquatic Invasive Species specialist with Natural Resources  and Northern Development.     Here she shares an example of their economic impact.

“Recently I was speaking with Manitoba Hydro, they are now spending two million dollars a year to manage the mussel invasion in their hydro facilities. The mussels are clogging up some of their water intakes and they are trying to prevent them from doing that. They are also attaching to the front of the dam.”  

Parks believes that over time, this cost will likely be passed to hydro users.

Listen to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon and tomorrow afternoon to hear more about aquatic invasive species.