The AWSA has continued to assist the Ministry of Environment with monitoring lakes within its watershed district for aquatic invasive species (AIS) in 2020. What's an AIS? Aquatic Invasive Species are plants and animals that live in water and invade ecosystems beyond their natural, historical range. Their presence may harm native ecosystems, agriculture, commercial, or recreational activities. AIS are usually spread through the water, and from one water body to another, by attaching to watercraft, trailers and related aquatic equipment. AIS such as zebra and quagga mussels pose a serious threat to Saskatchewan's lakes and waterways. These small but destructive mussels have been discovered in Ontario, Manitoba, Quebec and 34 states, including Montana and North Dakota. Why we do not want Zebra/ Quagga Mussels in Saskatchewan:
The Adult Invasive Mussel Monitoring (AIMM) program is a partnership between Saskatchewan Watershed Stewardship Groups (WSGs) and other agencies to detect unwanted aquatic invasive mussels in the province. WSGs like the AWSA have also been sampling lakes for mussel veligers. Veligers are the free-swimming larval form of adult Zebra and Quagga mussels. The earlier we can detect the presence or absence of these unwanted pests the better! The AWSA samples the following lakes for veligers: ![]()
To date, all samples have come back negative across the province; lets hope it stays that way long into the future! ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Funding for this initiative is made possible by: ![]() ![]() |
What We're Doing >