Saskatchewan is marking Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Awareness Week from May 12 to 16, encouraging residents and visitors to do their part in keeping the province’s lakes and rivers free from harmful non-native species.
Aquatic invasive species, including plants, fish, invertebrates and infectious diseases, can cause serious environmental and economic damage once introduced to a waterbody. Zebra and quagga mussels are among the most concerning, as they are nearly impossible to remove once established and can cost millions of dollars to manage.
“Our province, blessed with thousands of lakes and rivers, is a popular destination for anglers, boaters and others who enjoy recreation on the water,” Environment Minister Travis Keisig said in a statement. “So far, our prevention efforts targeting zebra and quagga mussels have been successful — no invasive mussels have been found in Saskatchewan waterbodies.”
According to the Ministry of Environment, six watercraft carrying invasive mussels were intercepted before entering Saskatchewan in 2024. More than 250 other watercraft from high-risk areas were decontaminated because they had not been properly cleaned, drained or dried, a critical step in stopping the spread of AIS.
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The province is urging the public to follow the Clean, Drain, Dry protocol after using any type of watercraft or gear, including kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, trailers, life jackets and angling equipment.
Inspection stations are set up at key entry points to the province, and all travellers transporting watercraft are required to stop.
Authorities say public awareness and cooperation are essential to preventing the introduction of invasive species into Saskatchewan’s waterways.
For more information on how to protect local lakes and rivers, residents are encouraged to visit the Ministry of Environment’s website.