Invasive mussels found during boat inspection in Blackstrap Provincial Park

A routine watercraft inspection in Blackstrap Provincial Park may have helped keep invasive mussels from making their way to Saskatchewan’s waters.

According to the Government of Saskatchewan, conservation officers stopped a vehicle towing a boat in the park southeast of Saskatoon on July 17. During the inspection of the boat, which had recently been in Lake Ontario – referred to by some as “Lake America” – officers discovered zebra mussels, along with standing water and aquatic plant material.

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“Conservation officers worked with the Ministry of Environment to immediately implement a quarantine order, ensuring the watercraft could not enter Saskatchewan waterways,” the provincial government explained in a statement.

“The boat was decontaminated, and an additional 30-day quarantine was established to eliminate any additional risk to provincial waterways.”

The owner of the boat, an Ontario resident, was charged with transporting a prohibited species under fisheries regulations.

The environment ministry noted that once zebra mussels have established a population in a body of water, they are nearly impossible to eliminate. (Government of Saskatchewan/Submitted)

The environment ministry noted that once zebra mussels have established a population in a body of water, they are nearly impossible to eliminate. The mussels can cause “significant environmental and economic damage,” the ministry noted. The larvae of zebra mussels were discovered in Lake of the Prairies, on the Saskatchewan-Manitoba border, earlier this year, indicating that the species is coming closer to establishing itself in the province.

“Watercraft inspections are critical to ensuring Saskatchewan’s waterways are protected from the spread of aquatic invasive species,” Environment Minister Darlene Rowden said in a statement.

“This incident highlights the importance of following responsible boating practices, including stopping at inspection stations, understanding provincial regulatory requirements and using the Clean, Drain and Dry guidelines. Anyone who plans to enjoy our province’s many beautiful lakes and rivers must do their part to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and protect our waterways from the permanent damage they can cause.”

The environment ministry noted that it is illegal to transport watercraft without removing the drain plug. It is also against the law to possess or transport prohibited species, refuse to stop at watercraft inspection stations or prevent officers from inspecting watercraft and equipment.

Boaters were reminded to clean all aquatic plants, mud and debris from their watercraft, drain water from the bilge, ballast tanks, live wells and other compartments and dry the boat and all equipment before launching it into any other waterways.

The ministry said the co-operation and support of boat owners is necessary to prevent aquatic invasive species from making their way into the province. Michael Weger, Saskatchewan’s community safety minister, said the discovery highlights the need for a collaborative approach to preventing the spread of the invasive species.

“Watercraft inspections are not just a regulatory requirement; they are one of the most effective tools we have for stopping aquatic invasive species from entering and damaging Saskatchewan’s waterways,” Weger said in a statement.

The environment ministry noted that conservation officers will be conducting roadside check stops near Waskesiu Lake on Friday.