BOATERS ASKED TO GUARD AGAINST ZEBRA MUSSELS

A recent case in which zebra mussels were found attached to a boat in Saskatchewan has the Ministry of Environment concerned about the risk of this invasive species being introduced to provincial water bodies.

Zebra mussels are small freshwater molluscs that can spread rapidly once introduced into a lake or river. They compete with other aquatic life for food and change the ecology of the water bodies they invade. Zebra mussels are known to colonize and clog the water supply pipes of electricity generating plants, public water treatment plants, industrial facilities and cottage water systems. They can clog boat engine intakes and damage boat hulls. Millions of dollars are spent each year in Canada on addressing the impacts of zebra mussels.

Zebra mussels could be attached to used watercrafts purchased and imported from other jurisdictions across North America that already have zebra mussels or to the 7,000 out-of-province boats that come into Saskatchewan each year. They attach themselves to the underside of a boat or boat trailer or hitch a ride in the live wells, bilge water systems or inboard/outboard motor water intakes. Adult mussels can survive for a week or more out-of-water, depending on temperature and relative humidity.

Saskatchewan residents who purchase boats, motors, trailers or other watercraft from out of province and residents who take their boats out-of-province should carefully inspect and wash their watercraft and all associated equipment prior to use in Saskatchewan.

Further information on this invasive species and how to prevent its introduction can be found on the Ministry of Environment website at http://www.environment.gov.sk.ca/invaderspecies.

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For more information, contact:

Michele McEachern
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0412