Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment inspectors intercepted a boat that was contaminated with invasive mussels during an inspection on July 3rd.
The boat, which was purchased outside of the province, was checked at an inspection station on Highway 16, near the Manitoba border. When the mussels were found, the owner was informed, and the boat was fully decontaminated.
Environment Minister Dustin Duncan says the discovery highlights the importance of making sure all watercraft purchased outside the province, especially from jurisdictions known to have invasive species, are inspected before being launched in Saskatchewan waters.
The province now has eight mobile watercraft decontamination units set up at fixed points on the Manitoba border, with others strategically placed throughout the province.
The province is urging people to remember to remove drain plugs on all watercraft while transporting watercraft in the province, as it’s the law.
To find out if your watercraft is high-risk and requires an AIS inspection, call the ministry’s Inquiry Centre at 1-800-567-4224.