Even though there has been monitoring of boats in Saskatchewan’s waters, there were no invasive mussels found in Saskatchewan’s waters in 2018.

In 2018, the ministry checked over 2,900 watercraft for signs of aquatic invasive species (AIS) and identified 830 that needed a detailed inspection. Fifty of those craft went through decontamination and five watercraft carrying AIS and those were decontaminated and quarantined before they could be used in Saskatchewan’s waters.

Potentially, if they get into Saskatchewan’s lakes and rivers, invasive mussels have the potential to impact aquatic habitat, fisheries, valuable recreational resources and water-related infrastructure.

“Aquatic invasive species such as zebra and quagga mussels pose a serious threat to our lakes and waterways,” said Environment Minister Dustin Duncan.

Invasive mussels are found in Ontario, Manitoba, Quebec and 34 states.

Individuals transporting watercraft in Saskatchewan must remove boat plug, stop at watercraft inspection stations and submit to inspection. Failure to do so may result in a $500 fine.