Parks Canada is seeking assistance from the public to combat the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). According to Prince Albert National Park (PANP) AIS project co-ordinator Sarah Mitchell, preventing the propagation of aquatic invasive species is a collective responsibility.
To impede the progress of unwanted creatures, all watercraft entering the waters of Prince Albert National Park are mandated to possess an AIS certification permit and compliance sticker. Any boat that has been outside the province within the last 45 days must undergo inspection and decontamination by Parks Canada personnel at an inspection station, with these mandatory checks commencing in 2025.
Visitor Colin Trudel expressed the significance of safeguarding the lakes, stating, “It would be terrible for us to lose something like this,” at the Waskesiu Marina boat launch. The regulations were established to prevent invasive mussels, specifically zebra and quagga mussels, from infiltrating the park’s water systems. The microscopic veligers, larvae of these mussels, are not visible to the naked eye, with a single female zebra mussel generating around 1 million eggs annually.
Invasive mussels present substantial economic risks to various sectors, as outlined by Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Environment. On July 3, the ministry disclosed the detection of invasive mussel veligers in the Lake of the Prairies, situated approximately 67 kilometers east of Yorkton.
Mitchell emphasized the concern surrounding stagnant water transferring veligers from one location to another, highlighting the invisible nature of these organisms. At the PANP inspection station, Parks Canada personnel scrutinize watercraft for organic materials like mud, sand, and plants that could harbor AIS. A pressure washer utilizing water heated to 50 to 60 degrees Celsius is employed to eliminate any potential aquatic invasive species.
Efforts to educate the public have resulted in enhanced compliance, per Mitchell. The AIS certification process encompasses all waterborne vessels, including canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, wind surfboards, inflatable boats, and rafts, with decontamination required for any equipment that has had contact with water.
Failure to adhere to AIS regulations can lead to fines of up to $25,000 under federal guidelines. Parks Canada is presently formulating a comprehensive AIS plan in collaboration with Indigenous nations, community partners, and regional stakeholders to protect park waters while enhancing visitor experiences. Additionally, PANP has escalated roving AIS inspections and staff presence at boat launches.
In 2025, PANP authorized 7,000 to 9,000 watercraft entries and conducted 160 decontaminations of high-risk vessels. Mitchell highlighted the presence of invasive mussels in Manitoba and southern U.S. regions, with zebra mussels previously discovered in Clear Lake within Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba in 2023.
Saskatchewan faces threats from invasive species like flowering rush and Prussian carp, jeopardizing native species. The commitment to combat AIS and safeguard park waters remains a top priority for Parks Canada.