Angler Awareness of Aquatic Invasive Species in Manitoba

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) surveys were administered face-to-face to shore anglers, anglers using boats, and non-anglers in southern Manitoba between 1999 and 2002. Sixty-two percent of all surveyed were aware of purple loosestrife while 52% correctly answered that purple loosestrife was present in Manitoba. Sixty-nine percent of respondents were aware of zebra mussels while 50% correctly replied that they were not present in Manitoba. Only 15% of those surveyed could name another AIS with Eurasian watermilfoil being the aquatic plant most often cited, and 95% felt it is important to continue to monitor for AIS. Anglers using boats were found to have a higher AIS awareness level when compared to shore anglers and non-anglers. Anglers with the lowest awareness scores were the 0-20 year of age group, followed by shore anglers, and non-anglers. High levels of AIS awareness were found in the 40+ year age group, followed by tournament anglers, 21-40 years of age, and anglers using boats. Anglers using live bait provide a pathway for further invasive species introductions. Anglers reported using a variety of methods to dispose of their unused live bait, however an alarming 25% reported returning unused live bait directly back into the waterbody where they were fishing. Survey results identified awareness "gaps" that should be addressed by aquatic plant and AIS awareness initiatives.