Containment Orders Issued After Invasive Mussel Larvae Detected in Lake of the Prairies
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment has issued containment orders for Lake of the Prairies after invasive mussel larvae (veligers) were detected during routine monitoring.
The detection was made near the Highway 5 bridge on the Manitoba side of the lake and was confirmed through additional monitoring by both Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The two provinces, along with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, are now coordinating a joint response to better understand the extent of the infestation and reduce the risk of the invasive species spreading to other waters.
View the source article on Saskatchewan.ca
Learn more about Aquatic Invasive Species here in Saskatchewan
Containment Orders Now in Effect
Effective immediately, all watercraft and water-related equipment that have come into contact with Lake of the Prairies must be decontaminated before being used in any other waterbody.
The Saskatchewan containment area includes:
- The Assiniboine River from the Highway 357 crossing to the entiretyLake of the Prairies
Manitoba has also established a corresponding containment zone for its portion of the lake with similar decontamination requirements.
What Boaters and Anglers Need to Know
Anyone planning to move a boat, canoe, kayak, paddleboard, trailer, fishing gear, or other water-related equipment from the containment area must have it decontaminated before launching elsewhere.
The Ministry of Environment has Aquatic Invasive Species officers on site to perform decontaminations and monitor compliance with the containment order.
To arrange a required decontamination, contact the Ministry's Aquatic Invasive Species Program at [email protected] before transporting your watercraft or equipment to another lake or river.
Why This Matters
Invasive mussels can spread rapidly between waterbodies by attaching to boats, trailers, anchors, docks, and other equipment. Even microscopic larvae suspended in small amounts of water can introduce mussels to previously unaffected lakes.
Once established, invasive mussels are extremely difficult, often impossible, to eliminate. They can:
- Clog water intake infrastructure
- Damage boats and docks
- Alter aquatic ecosystems
- Reduce native biodiversity
- Create significant long-term management costs
The Ministry says this detection highlights the importance of following Saskatchewan's Clean, Drain, Dry practices after every outing, regardless of where you have been boating or fishing.
Source: Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment news release (July 3, 2026).