Sask Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week (May 12-16)

May 12-16 is Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week (AIS) in the province. This is a great opportunity to bring attention to how important it is to keep our lakes and rivers safe. The provincial government and the national park are working hard to protect our waters, but all lake users need to work together for this to succeed.

Saskatchewan was still mussel free in 2024

Thankfully according to the report from the province in 2024, there was no evidence found of invasive mussels in the province. Worryingly, though, the provincial watercraft inspection program intercepted 250 watercraft from high-risk areas that were not properly cleaned/drained/dried and had to be decontaminated. There were six watercraft intercepted that had invasive mussels!

Clean, Drain, and Dry

Make sure to clean, drain, and dry your watercraft, trailers, and any other equipment that is entering the water. This includes kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, life jackets, fishing gear, etc.

Watercraft Inspection Program

• The province runs a program during the summer to inspect watercraft at checkpoints around the province. If you encounter an active inspection station, you MUST STOP - it's the law!

Prince Albert National Park

If you're going to be launching a watercraft in Prince Albert National Park there is a Mandatory AIS Certificate Permit that must be completed. This applies to all watercraft including paddleboards.

If you encounter an aquatic invasive species, report it to the provincial TIPP hotline at 1-800-667-7561