“This strategy emphasizes the need for collaboration and co-ordination with provincial and federal government agencies, non-government organizations and neighbouring jurisdictions to prevent the introduction and spread of high-risk aquatic invasive species,” Duncan said.

AIS, such as zebra and quagga mussels, threaten lakes and rivers in Western Canada.  They can severely affect aquatic habitat, fisheries, valuable recreational resources and important infrastructure for irrigation, power generation and municipal water supplies.

In recent years, the ministry has significantly increased its AIS prevention efforts, with a primary focus on education and awareness.

“We recently announced that no invasive mussels had been detected in Saskatchewan waters in 2019,” Duncan said.  “That is a positive step, and it speaks to the approach we’ve been taking in Saskatchewan.  But we know more work needs to be done, and that diligence on this front needs to be unrelenting for us to remain free from this threat.”

Saskatchewan also partners with the Canada Border Services Agency and other provincial and territorial governments to co-ordinate prevention efforts across Western Canada.

The province’s new AIS Strategy, as well as further information about AIS and fishing, is available online at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/environment-public-health-and-safety/wildlife-issues/invasive-species/aquatic-invasive-species-prevention-program.

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For more information, contact:

Jamie Gibson
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3900
Email: jamie.gibson@gov.sk.ca

For public inquiries
Environment
Phone: 1-800-567-4224
Email: centre.inquiry@gov.sk.ca