Environment ministry on the hunt for aquatic invasive species in Sask.

Saskatchewan is set to resume its battle against aquatic invasive species.

This week, the Ministry of Environment will launch its annual Clean, Drain and Dry campaign and start its watercraft inspection and waterbody monitoring programs. The goal is to educate people about the potential harm caused by introducing non-native plants, fish and invertebrates into Saskatchewan waterbodies.

“Saskatchewan’s many freshwater lakes, rivers and streams are critical to our daily lives, as they provide drinking water, irrigation, power generation and a number of recreational and commercial opportunities for the province,” Dana Skoropad, Saskatchewan’s environment minister, said in a release.

“Please help out by protecting our waters from aquatic invasive species. Clean, drain and dry your boats and any other equipment used in and around water.”

According to the ministry, aquatic invasive species like zebra mussels and spiny waterflea get introduced into lakes, rivers and streams when they attach to boats or any gear that comes in contact with water. Once in those bodies of water, the organisms are tough to eliminate and can cost millions of dollars to manage.

In an effort to deal with those species, the Ministry of Environment uses eight mobile watercraft decontamination units. Three are set up on the Saskatchewan-U.S. border, two are along the province’s border with Manitoba, and the others will be used in key locations across the province.

Every vehicle transporting watercraft must stop at the inspection stations if they’re open.

“Sightings of aquatic invasive species on watercraft or in and around Saskatchewan waterbodies should be reported immediately to the Saskatchewan Turn in Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line at 1-800-667-7561, or text #5555 from your SaskTel cellphone,” the government’s release added.