2 days ago
Sask. aiming to stop aquatic invasive species with inspection stations
This undated file photo provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, shows a group of zebra mussels. (AP / U.S. Department of Agriculture)
Saskatchewan is aiming to keep aquatic invasive species (AIS) out of the province and will have inspection stations set up until October along highways and near bodies of water.
'If you are transporting a watercraft and see an active inspection station, you must stop – it is the law,' Environment Minister Travis Keisig said in a news release.
AIS refers to plants, fish, invertebrates and diseases that are not natural in a particular area and negatively impact the environment, economy and society, the province says.
In Saskatchewan, well known AIS include zebra and quagga mussels, which the province says have not been detected in recent years.
The province says people can avoid spreading AIS by knowing what to look for, with a list available on its website.
Residents are also encouraged to follow Saskatchewan's clean, drain and dry guidelines for watercraft, trailers and equipment. Following those guidelines is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of AIS in Saskatchewan, the province said.
'Every year, our watercraft inspection staff intercept various types of watercraft, from kayaks to sailboats, carrying invasive mussels. We also decontaminate many watercraft coming into the province from high-risk areas that are not properly cleaned, drained or dried,' Keisig said in the release.
More information can be read here.
