It’s Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week in the province from May 9 - 15. The annual awareness event corresponds with the opening of boating season when prairie mariners need to become aware of protecting water bodies from foreign species of mussels and other organisms.

Aquatic invasive species affect the natural habit of a lake by disrupting the ecosystem through rampant reproduction. Natural fish life and vegetation can be seriously harmed, as can infrastructures such as power generation and recreational areas. The cost of managing invasive species can be enormous as they are almost impossible to eradicate. The most common examples are zebra and quagga mussels, Prussian carp, flowering rush, and the spiny waterflea. 

"We have only to look to neighbouring provinces and states to see the devastating impact that aquatic invasive species can have, ecologically and economically," Environment Minister Warren Kaeding said.  "This week is intended to highlight the threat our province faces when it comes to aquatic invasive species but, more importantly, it also creates awareness that we can support the health of our water and fishery resources by taking preventative measures.  These measures can be as simple as removing the plug when transporting your watercraft."

The week aims to educate boaters and others about the seriousness of invasive species. It brings heightened awareness to campaigns like the Clean, Drain, and Dry program for watercraft. Thus far, the province has been relatively successful in that no invasive mussel species have been detected in Saskatchewan water bodies to this point. 

The Environment Ministry is supporting the effort by establishing inspection and decontamination units near provincial borders at various locations throughout the province. Watercraft inspection stations in Estevan, Regina, Swift Current, Moosomin and Churchbridge are set to open on May 17. 

"Saskatchewan continues to partner with federal agencies, as well as provincial organizations and provincial governments, to coordinate prevention efforts across Western Canada," Kaeding said.  "The importance of these relationships was highlighted earlier this year, when a serious threat posed by imported aquarium moss balls contaminated with zebra mussels was identified and stopped.  Quick and coordinated action averted potential disaster for Saskatchewan's aquatic ecosystems."

More information on aquatic invasive species can be found on the government’s website at saskatchewan.ca/invasive-species.