Sask. boaters reminded to stop at all watercraft inspection stations

Saskatchewan residents planning to enjoy summer from port and starboard are being reminded to stop for inspection stations along highways and near the water.

Boaters in the province travelling across provincial and international borders with boats are asked to stop at all watercraft inspection stations to help keep Saskatchewan free from invasive aquatic species.

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) can harm water habitats and fisheries and damage power and water management infrastructure, costing millions of dollars annually.

Zebra and quagga mussells, once introduced, are AIS that are nearly impossible to get rid of. They spread quickly, as females can produce up to one million eggs each year.

The provincial government asks that boaters take the time to complete an inspection process at each stop and ensure their boats are cleaned, drained and dried beforehand. This includes removing plants, animals, and mud from trailers, hulls, motors and fishing equipment using high-pressure hot water to clean, draining all water from watercraft and flushing with hot tap water, and allowing all equipment to completely dry, ideally five days before travel.

During transport, boat owners are advised to leave plugs out and tilt their watercraft when stored to allow the bilge to drain and dry. Since last year, it is mandatory to remove all watercraft drain plugs during transportation. Failure to do so can result in a fine.