The provincial government wants you to clean, drain and dry your watercraft before moving it to protect Saskatchewan’s waterways from harmful aquatic invasive species that are impossible to eradicate.
Zebra mussels are native to the Caspian and Black sea regions in Eastern Europe and Asia, while quagga mussels are from Ukraine. Zebra mussels were likely introduced to North America around 1986 when an ocean-going ship discharged its ballast water into the Great Lakes, according to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment. Quagga mussels were confirmed in the Great Lakes a short time later.
Both species are now present outside this region; zebra mussels were confirmed to be present in Lake Winnipeg, Man., in 2013. Invasive mussels are also found in Ontario, Quebec and 34 states such as Minnesota, Montana and North Dakota.
Monitoring for invasive species
The Saskatchewan government sampled 121 provincial waterbodies last year and did not find any invasive mussels. Government officials also checked more than 2,900 watercraft for signs of aquatic invasive species (AIS), identifying more than 830 as high risk and requiring detailed inspection.
Fifty suspected watercraft underwent decontamination, while five were found to be carrying AIS. Those watercraft were decontaminated and quarantined by the ministry before they could be used in any waterbodies in the province.
“Watercraft are one of the main vectors for transporting aquatic invasive species. Basically they just hitchhike (on surfaces),” explained Geri Geiger, aquatic invasive species co-ordinator for Saskatchewan.
These species can attach themselves to almost any type of surface, such as life jackets, water tubes, hulls, fishing gear, trailers, ropes, or anything that holds water. They can also travel in the water itself. Geiger pointed out these species usually move or float in the water as larvae, so it’s difficult to see them. Outdoor enthusiasts could unknowingly transport these larvae if they are moving water.
For example, if you have a wakeboard boat that has ballast tanks and you are drawing water into those containers, you could potentially suck up larvae as well, she continued.
“Anything that can stay wet or moist, has the potential to carry these species … ,” Geiger added. “Any water that’s splashing in over the side, or you have some leaks in your boat, there could be larvae in the bilge portion of your boat.”
Protecting waterbodies
Before returning home from out of province, coming to visit, or moving between waters within the province, water enthusiasts are encouraged to:
Clean
- Clean and inspect watercraft, trailer, equipment and all related gear;
- Remove all visible plants, animals and mud before leaving the boat launch area;
- Inspect drain holes, transducers, motors, propellers, including the trailer and vehicle;
- Wash, scrub or rinse using hot tap water away from storm drains, ditches and waterways.
Drain
- On land before leaving the boat launch area, drain all on-board water from the motor, livewells, bilge, or ballast tanks;
- Flush with hot tap water away from storm drains, ditches and highways;
- Leave plugs out during transport and storage.
Dry
- Dry your watercraft, equipment and all related gear between trips, while leaving compartments open to dry.
These invasive species are nearly impossible to eradicate, Geiger said. They can threaten aquatic habitats, fisheries, recreational resources and water-based infrastructure — clogging pipes and turbines — that could cost the province billions of dollars to fix. They can also reduce the value of cabin property.
“They can have a lot of negative impact,” she added.
Recent amendments to provincial regulations make it mandatory for people transporting watercraft in Saskatchewan to remove the boat plug, stop at watercraft inspection stations and submit to an inspection, Geiger said. Failing to do this could result in a fine of $500. It is also illegal to transport prohibited aquatic invasive species into the province.
“The big part of this program is education and prevention,” she added. “That’s really the most important thing we can do.”
