Province urges boaters to check for intrusive mussels

The province is reminding people to do their part to help keep invasive mussels out of Saskatchewan’s waterways.
 
The Ministry of Environment issued a release Monday proclaiming May 7-13 as Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week.
 
The notice comes amid ongoing concerns about zebra and quagga mussels – two species that have been found choking lakes and rivers in Ontario, Manitoba and at least 34 U.S. states.
 
So far, Saskatchewan has remained free of the the pests, but boaters are still being asked to help keep it that way.
 
The province is urging people to clean, drain and dry their boats after they use them. This applies both to boat owners from Saskatchewan and those bringing watercraft in from outside the province.
 
The ministry reported spending about $450,000 in 2016 fighting the spread of the mussels.
 
Those efforts included inspections of 776 boats — 25 of which had to be decontaminated. Two of those vessels were reportedly found with mussels visible on their hulls.
 
The province announced plans to step up inspections through 2017, with a focus on high-risk watercraft coming in from outside Saskatchewan. The ministry will be paying particular attention to boats crossing the Manitoba and U.S. borders. 
 
People can expect to see inspectors at fishing and boating events, as well as activities like wakeboard competitions.