The聽Ministry of Environment鈥檚 aquatic invasive species (AIS) monitoring program detected no invasive mussels in the 125 waterbodies sampled throughout Saskatchewan last year.
AIS, such as zebra and quagga mussels, are a serious threat to lakes and rivers in Western Canada.聽 They can severely affect aquatic habitat, fisheries, valuable recreational resources and important infrastructure for irrigation, power generation and municipal water supplies.
鈥淥nce again, our surveys have shown the effectiveness of prevention activities in protecting Saskatchewan鈥檚 lakes and rivers from invasive species threats,鈥� Environment Minister Warren Kaeding said.聽 鈥淥ur comprehensive provincial strategy includes monitoring, public awareness and education, as well as roadside watercraft inspections and decontamination, all important components of the program.鈥�
In 2020, the ministry inspected 911 watercraft, identifying 630 as high risk for AIS and requiring further inspection.聽 Ministry staff discovered nine watercraft contaminated with invasive species, and decontaminated a total of 164 watercraft.
As a result of travel restrictions, watercraft movement across the international border was significantly reduced, and most inspections took place near the Saskatchewan/Manitoba border.聽 Throughout 2020, the ministry continued to work with Canada Border Services Agency to co-ordinate the inspection of high-risk watercraft entering the province.
Boaters have an important role to play in AIS prevention by diligently following clean-drain-dry protocols for watercraft and equipment, and by complying with provincial regulations.聽 Anyone transporting watercraft in Saskatchewan must remove the boat plug and stop at watercraft inspection stations to be checked, or risk a $500 fine.聽 It is also illegal to bring prohibited AIS into Saskatchewan.
The threat of AIS is close by 鈥� invasive mussels are currently found in Ontario, Manitoba, Quebec, as well as in 34 states, including Montana, North Dakota and Minnesota.
The ministry works closely with Saskatchewan鈥檚 AIS Task Force, which includes other government agencies, conservation and non-government organizations and universities.聽 The province also partners with Canada Border Services Agency and other provincial and territorial governments to coordinate prevention efforts across Western Canada.
For more information about AIS and fishing, check the聽, available wherever fishing licences are sold, or online at聽.
