Canada Border Services intercepted a boat from the U.S. carrying zebra mussels into Saskatchewan at the end of March.

The incident marked the first discovery of aquatic invasive species at a provincial boat inspection this year.

CBSA officers identified the boat owned by Canadian travellers as high-risk at the port of Regway.

Due to COVID-19 protocols, the travellers were required to self-isolate upon their return to Canada, so they sealed up the boat for it to be inspected at a later date. During the inspection last week, Conservation officers found zebra mussels inside on of the boat’s storage compartments.

The boat was decontaminated to ensure it was no longer a threat.

Provincial Environment Minister Dustin Duncan said that the discovery of the mussels shows the level of cooperation needed to protect Saskatchewan waters from aquatic invasive species.

It is believed that the zebra mussels were picked up by the anchor, so the ministry is reminding boaters to carefully inspect their boat accessories such as anchors, ropes, buoys, and the compartments where they are kept when they are cleaning, draining, and drying their boats.

It is illegal in Saskatchewan to transport invasive species, dead or alive.

To report aquatic invasive species, call the 24-hour SASKTIP line at 1-800-667-7561.