The watercraft inspection program is in full swing, and watercraft inspection points can now be found throughout the province.
They have been focusing their efforts on the east and south borders. Invasive mussels have infested neighbouring regions, which include Manitoba and North Dakota.
“If you are using your boat out of province and especially in an area that is known to have invasive species,” Aquatic Invasive Species Program Co-ordinator Jeri Geiger said. “It is really important to make sure you are inspecting your watercraft and making sure it is dry so that you don’t inadvertently bring invasive species back with you because we do every year run into boats that are a fouled with aquatic invasive species.”
Some aquatic invasive species, such as zebra and quagga mussels, can easily be transported since they are small. They can attach to watercraft and survive in moist conditions for long periods of time.
“We have not detected invasive mussels like zebra or quagga mussels here in the province, but it’s still really important to make sure that we are following those Clean, Drain, Dry best practices, just to prevent any potential introduction or spread,” Geiger explained. “Make sure to be aware; look out on the landscape for our inspection stations, so you don’t drive by one because there are fines associated with failing to stop, and the same with removing your drain plug, so whenever you are transporting a boat in Saskatchewan, you need to make sure the drain plug is removed, and there is a fine associated with that as well.”
Water inspection points are set up every summer throughout the province to inspect watercraft and equipment for aquatic invasive species. All vehicles with watercraft are expected to stop when approaching an inspection station. It is important to remember that canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and jet skis need to be inspected. Also, all equipment, like anchors, angling gear, life jackets, live wells, motors, paddles, ropes, trailers, and wet storage compartments, needs to be cleaned and dried.
Ensure you inspect and clean your watercraft and gear after each use. Possessing or transporting prohibited aquatic invasive species is illegal, and fines start at $500 and come with a watercraft quarantine.
To learn more about aquatic invasive species and the watercraft inspection program, visit Saskatchewan.ca.
(Photo credit: Government of Saskatchewan website.)