Zebra Mussels are not a problem in Saskatchewan yet, but the Ministry of Environment is keeping a close eye on neighbouring jurisdictions that are currently having problems with the invasive species.
To date, there has been no sightings or reports of zebra mussels in Saskatchewan waterways, says Geri Geiger, aquatic invasive species coordinator with Ministry of Environment.
That being said, Manitoba, Ontario, Minnesota, and Montana are all considered infested jurisdictions.
“Because we have a lot of watercraft that crosses our border into Saskatchewan, obviously that poses a risk for many of our Saskatchewan waters because of the transportation of watercraft and the possibility that they could be transported in those watercraft.”
Testing for Zebra Mussels will continue for summer 2018 at many Saskatchewan lakes, including some that are now considered high risk because of the amount of out of province traffic.
When it comes to unknowingly transporting young mussels, they can be anywhere on or in the craft from being in standing water to being attached to the craft, the trailer, or equipment, says Geiger.
For such a small aquatic animal, they can have big impacts on local lakes.
Being an invasive species, ecological impacts are extensive as they start out competing local species for food, specifically phytoplankton. The mussel will also attach itself to docks, planks, and pipes and cause economic damage to infrastructure.
For Saskatchewan dam projects, that can lead to serious implications if zebra mussels invade our waters.
