Manitoba is renewing its warning about the dangers of releasing unwanted pets or baitfish into local waterways, as invasive silver carp continue to pose a growing threat across the Prairies. The province says young silver carp can easily be mistaken for native baitfish, making accidental transport or release more likely — and far more dangerous than many anglers realize.
Silver carp may start small, but they can grow to 40 kilograms, out‑competing native species for food and space. Their well‑known leaping behavior also creates a serious physical hazard for boaters, paddlers, and anyone using Manitoba’s lakes and rivers. Once established, invasive carp are almost impossible to remove, and their spread would dramatically alter aquatic ecosystems across the province.
To prevent that, Manitoba is reminding anglers and aquarium owners not to import bait, not to dump unwanted fish or plants, and to follow all aquatic invasive species (AIS) rules. Even a single released species can take hold in warm, nutrient‑rich prairie waters — a risk that includes lakes and rivers throughout the Westman region.
The province’s “Don’t Let It Loose” campaign urges residents to rehome unwanted pets responsibly and to buy bait only from licensed Manitoba dealers. Officials say public awareness is one of the strongest tools available to keep invasive carp and other AIS out of local waterways.
More information on preventing the spread of invasive species is available through the province’s AIS program here.
