The Ministry of Environment, working with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), prevented invasive mussels from hitching a ride from the U.S. into Saskatchewan at the end of March, marking the first discovery of aquatic invasive species (AIS) at a boat inspection in the province this year.
CBSA officers at the port of Regway near Minton identified a boat owned by Canadian travellers as high-risk and notified the ministry.
Because the travellers were required to self-isolate upon their return to the country, the watercraft was sealed, to be inspected at a later date.
During the scheduled inspection in the second last week of May, conservation officers found invasive mussels inside one of the boat’s storage compartments. The ministry’s fisheries staff decontaminated the watercraft to ensure it no longer posed a threat.
“This discovery really highlights the level of co-ordination it takes to ensure that Saskatchewan waters are protected from aquatic invasive species,” Environment Minister Dustin Duncan said. “Saskatchewan works closely with partners from other jurisdictions, including the CBSA. It’s always gratifying when our cooperation is able to achieve a positive result like this one.”
The ministry believed the mussels were picked up by the anchor. The ministry reminded boaters to carefully inspect accessories such as anchors, ropes, buoys and the compartments where they are stored while completing clean, drain and dry protocols on their watercrafts.
In Saskatchewan, it is unlawful to transport invasive mussels or other prohibited species, dead or alive.
AIS are plant, animal and invertebrate species threatening the province’s waterways and can damage aquatic habitat, fisheries, valuable recreational resources. AIS can also harm power generation, irrigation and municipal water infrastructure. Once established in a waterbody, AIS can be impossible to eliminate and might cost millions of dollars to manage each year.
To report an aquatic invasive species, call the 24-hour SASKTIP line at 1-800-667-7561.
