Aquatic Invasive Mussels
Res #: 47-16A
Number: 47
Year: 2016
Midterm: No
Expired: Yes
Responses Received: Yes
Departments: Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment
WHEREAS mussels are an aquatic invasive species of fresh water bodies and have major economic impacts on the economy; and waters that are infested with them to the east and south of Saskatchewan borders are virtually impossible to eradicate; and
WHEREAS early prevention of having Saskatchewan waters infested with mussels will be more economical than trying to deal with infestations; and
WHEREAS the most likely way for Saskatchewan to become infested is by boats coming from infested waters;
BE IT RESOLVED that SARM lobby the Provincial Government to establish check points on all border crossings on the Saskatchewan east and south borders and have infested boats decontaminated before entering Saskatchewan.
Responses From: Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment
June 7, 2016
The ministry will be collaborating with provincial and federal agencies to reduce the risk of aquatic invasive species entering the Province of Saskatchewan. On our southern border with the United States, the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) will advise all watercraft owners of the regulations prohibiting the transportation of aquatic invasive species including zebra and quagga mussels. CBSA will identify high-risk boats and communicate specific instructions from the ministry to Canadian watercraft owners entering Saskatchewan to ensure those boats will be cleared prior to entering any Canadian waters. If visible mussels are present, watercraft will be quarantined until decontamination is possible.
On the eastern border with Manitoba, the ministry will coordinate a series of watercraft inspections along major highway routes to inspect and inform watercraft owners of the threat of aquatic invasive species. Coordination with Manitoba will ensure that the highest risk areas are targeted. In addition, Saskatchewan will be conducting random boat launch inspections and providing educational material at provincial parks where boats from eastern Canada may be expected.
The Honourable Herb Cox – Minister of Environment, Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment
December 13, 2026
As Minister of Environment and Climate Change, I recognize that invasive alien species such as zebra and quagga mussels pose a serious risk to the Canadian economy and environment. As stated in An Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada, co-operation among all levels of governments and with industry and non-governmental organizations is a key principle in responding to the threats of invasive species.
At the federal level, the management of aquatic invasive species falls under the purview of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Therefore, I am forwarding a copy of your correspondence to the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, for consideration.
The Honourable Catherine McKenna – Minster of Environment and Climate Change, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Canada