Well, fishing season is well underway and water levels are pretty low in some lakes. But the fish are biting. Remember to take caution when out on the lakes at this time of year because it will be a whole new lake to navigate. With changes in water levels, rocks and structures that were normally much deeper could now be in that danger zone.
We have already had a few incidents for over-limits of fish from people who did not know what the limits were for (Weyburn) area lakes. Please take a minute and make sure you know where you are fishing and what the limits are. Refer to the Angler’s Guide when in doubt.
There is a new threat to our provincial waters that we want anglers and boaters to be aware of. Aquatic invasive species such as zebra and quagga mussels are a real danger to our fisheries and water infrastructure in Saskatchewan. This has been a huge problem in many southern states and eastern Canada and it is now a real threat to our clean waters.
These nasty little critters made their way to North America in the ballast tanks of ocean-going ships. They are slowly making their way from the east and have been found in Lake Winnipeg and in border-states such as Minnesota and North Dakota.
Zebra mussels get their name from the striped pattern of their shells and can grow to a maximum length of about 50 millimetres. A single female zebra mussel can lay up to a million eggs in one year.
Some of the threats these aquatic invaders poses to our waters include: Valuable sportfish populations could be damaged as the zebra mussels in their vast numbers out-compete other organisms that fish require to feed on. Simply put, they will disrupt our aquatic food chain.
The mussels attach themselves to hard surfaces and plug water intake structures such as water treatment plants, and large power plants. Maintenance of these structures in areas already infested with zebra mussels cost millions of dollars annually.
The sharp-edged mussel shells wash up on beaches and can be hazardous to unprotected feet.
As they are large filter feeders, these mussels can consume organic pollutants, passing them up the food chain to any fish or waterfowl that may prey on them.
Zebra mussels can be transferred from one waterbody to another easily as they can live out of water for up to seven days. They attach themselves to boats, nets, docks, swim platforms, boat lifts, and can be moved to a new waterbody on any of these objects. They also can attach to aquatic plants.
Zebra mussel larvae can also survive in water contained in bait buckets, bilges, ballast bags or any other water moved from an infested lake or river. To prevent the spread of these invasive species, staff from the Ministry of Environment, including conservation officers, will be conducting road-side inspections at various locations across the province. If you happen to pass by one of these locations, please slow to 60 km/hr and follow any signs that you may see.
If you have a new boat and have only been on waters within Saskatchewan, then your boat would be considered a low risk. However, if your boat was on any eastern waters or waters in the states infested by zebra mussels, then it is considered a high-risk watercraft.
The Canada Border Services Agency is also working with the province and will be conducting brief investigations into all incoming boats from the United States. If they pose any type of a risk, these boats will either be denied entry into Saskatchewan or be ordered to the closest decontamination site.
Saskatchewan has two decontamination units that will be making their way around the province over the summer.
If you purchased a boat in the United States, please be conscientious about the originating state and whether they have invasive species. If they do, and you bring your boat into Saskatchewan, then your boat is a threat to our clean waters.
CLEAN and inspect the watercraft, trailer, equipment and all gear that made contact with the water. Remove all visible plants, animals and mud. Scrub/scrape grainy surfaces that feel like sandpaper, as this could be young mussels too small to see. Inspect the watercraft, trailer and vehicle.
DRAIN all onboard water from the motor, livewell, bilge, and ballast tanks. Leave plugs out during transport and storage.
DRY your watercraft, equipment and all related gear completely after each use, preferably for at least five days while leaving compartments open to dry.
If you find or suspect aquatic invasive species, report any sightings to the nearest Ministry of Environment office or call the TIP Line at 1-800-667-7561.
Until next time … keep your boat clean and dry.
Editor’s note:
Ministry of Environment conservation officer Lindsey Leko has spent more than 25 years as a conservation officer in Saskatchewan. For many years, Officer Leko has contributed a column to local papers on a variety of issues related to hunting, fishing, and other resources related issues.
