REGINA – Saskatchewan has declared this week ‘aquatic invasive species awareness week’ in an effort to raise awareness and to keep invasive species out of Saskatchewan waters.
The province is taking several steps to prevent invasive species from entering provincial waters including roadside watercraft inspections and check-stops with a focus on the Manitoba and U-S borders.
Last year Zebra mussels were discovered in Manitoba. This includes zebra mussel larva in Cedar Lake, which is part of the Saskatchewan River system.
READ MORE: Saskatchewan waters still zebra mussel free
“While monitoring done to date has not found zebra and quagga mussels in the province, we continue to work to increase awareness on this issue,” Environment Minister Herb Cox said.
“Our government’s focus in 2016 and beyond will include increased watercraft inspections, decontaminating high-risk watercraft found entering the province and additional education and awareness efforts to help protect our fish populations and aquatic habitats.”
Saskatchewan is also teaming up with the Canadian Border Services Agency to assist with preventing contaminated boats from entering the province from the United States.
The province is also telling people to never release aquatic plants or pets into the wild or dump aquarium waters into rivers, streams, lakes or storm sewers.
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