REGINA — Saskatchewan's Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Awareness Week, May 11 to 15, provides an opportunity to learn how to protect the province's lakes and rivers from invasive species.
Aquatic invasive species are plants, fish and diseases that are not native to an area and can cause significant harm to the environment, economy and recreational opportunities. These species are often spread unintentionally through activities such as boating, fishing and water recreation. Once established, invasive species like zebra and quagga mussels are extremely difficult to eliminate.
In addition to their environmental impacts, high-risk species such as zebra and quagga mussels also pose significant economic risks by affecting critical infrastructure related to power generation, irrigation, and municipal and industrial surface water use. Alberta and British Columbia estimate annual management costs associated with zebra or quagga mussels could reach up to $100 million should the species become established.
Saskatchewan is home to thousands of lakes and rivers that support recreation, tourism and local communities, says Sask. Environment. Preventing the introduction and spread of AIS remains a top priority for the ministry, officials say.
In 2025, the ministry continued the Watercraft Inspection Program, inspecting over 4,000 watercrafts across the province. Upon inspection, more than 750 boats were not cleaned, drained and dried, resulting in the ministry having to complete decontaminations on each one.
Residents and visitors play a critical role in protecting Saskatchewan waters by following the Clean, Drain and Dry method after every use of watercraft and equipment, says Sask. Environment. This includes boats, trailers, kayaks, canoes and paddleboards; and equipment such as docks, barges and other equipment coming in contact with surface water.
The ministry offers this advice:
- Clean all plants, animals and mud from watercraft and equipment.
- Drain all water from bilges, live wells and motors.
- Dry everything thoroughly before entering another waterbody.
Each summer, residents and visitors will see watercraft inspection stations set up throughout Saskatchewan, enabling officers to inspect watercraft and equipment to ensure they are free of aquatic invasive species.
Motorists transporting watercraft are required by law to stop at all open inspection stations. Provided your watercraft is cleaned, drained and dried, inspections are quick, typically taking only a few minutes.
Additionally, Innovation Saskatchewan and the Ministry of Environment will launch the 2026 Innovation Challenge focused on Aquatic Invasive Species. The challenge will invite innovators to develop novel technology-based solutions to help protect Saskatchewan's waters, with more details to be released soon.
Members of the public can also help to monitor Saskatchewan for AIS through the Adult Invasive Mussel Monitoring (AIMM) program.
If you see an aquatic invasive species, please immediately report it to ReportAIS@gov.sk.ca.
For more information, visit: Aquatic Invasive Species | Invasive Species | Government of Saskatchewan.
