Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week

May 7th to 13th was been proclaimed Aquatic Invasive Species Week in Saskatchewan to highlight prevention methods and make people aware of the risk the province faces.

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as zebra and quagga mussels pose a signifigant threat to Saskatchewan's lakes and waterways. These small yet incredibly destructive species have already been discovered in Manatoba, Ontario and 34 states including Montana and North Dakota.

"Invasive mussels and other species can be extremely difficult to manage if they become established in a waterbody," Environment Minister Scott Moe said. "Prevention is the most effective solution to aquatic invasive species."

The mussels can cause many problems and there can be up to 70,000 Zebra Mussels in one square meter. One of them can filter 1 liter of water. With such high numbers, the mussels filter massive amounts of water removing the algae that so many other species rely on. They filter the good algae and leave blue-green algae that is toxic to the mussels and humans. This increase of the blue-green algae among other factors, hurts the native species and greatly effects the lakes natural food chain.

The ministry of environment invested more than $450,000 in 2016 to prevent AIS, including resources to inspect 776 watercrafts and decontaminate 25 of them. Two of the decontaminated crafts had visible mussels attatched.

The 2017-18 budget includes up to $500,000 for AIS initiatives, including funding for education and awareness, inspections and decontaminations.

The government is also increasing its focus on high-risk watercrafts entering the province this year. The province will conduct roadside watercraft inspections, with a focus on Manitoba and U.S. borders, and high-risk waterbodies and events, such as fishing and boating events and wakeboard competitions, which see an increased number of boats entering the province from other jurisdictions.

Before returning home from out of province, coming to visit or moving between waters within the province the government asks you to follow these important steps to help protect Saskatchewan's lakes and rivers.

• Remove all visible plants, animals and mud on your boat or watercraft. Scrub/scrape grainy surfaces that feel like sandpaper, as this could be young mussels too small to see.
• Wash, scrub or rinse using a high pressure hot tap water (preferably 50 degrees Celsius) away from storm drains, ditches and waterways.
• Drain all on-board water from the motor, livewell, bilge, and ballast tanks. Flush with hot tap water away from storm drains, ditches and waterways. Then leave plugs out during transport and storage.
• Dry your watercraft, equipment and all related gear completely, preferably for at least five days while leaving compartments open to dry.
• Remember to dispose of all unwanted bait in the trash. Never release leftover leeches or crayfish, aquarium pets, plants or water into our lakes, rivers or wetlands.