Inspection finds zebra mussels on boat from Manitoba coming into Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan residents are being reminded to get their boats inspected if they are coming in from another province.

Officials near the Manitoba border found zebra mussels, an invasive species attached to a boat coming into Saskatchewan.

The boat had been purchased in Manitoba, with the intention of it being used on Saskatchewan waters.

Matt Tyree is the manager of fisheries for the Ministry of Environment, he joined David Kirton on Saskatchewan Afternoon to speak about the incident.

“They are so small, they have tendencies to attach themselves to inconspicuous areas of the watercraft,” he said. “They can wreak havoc on the aquatic ecosystem.”

Zebra mussels are a fingernail-sized mollusk. They can be identified by its dark, zig-zagged stripes on each shell.

The mussels have an impact on other species, as they can reduce game fish populations by filtering out algae that native species need for food.

“Irrigation, municipal water supplies, hydroelectric facilities, these mussels can plug them up and make things extremely costly- they can have a large impact,” added Tyree. “Once they become established, it becomes very difficult to eradicate them.”

Tyree said it’s important to check your boat thoroughly, especially if it has been used out of the province or purchased out of the province.

If you need to get your boat inspected, you can call 1-800-567-4244 to arrange an appointment with the Ministry.