Saskatchewan residents and visitors are being reminded to ensure aquatic invasive species (AIS) are not introduced to the provincial water bodies.
The advice comes during Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week, which runs from May 9-13th.
Authorities caution these plants, fish and invertebrates can damage aquatic habitat and fisheries, as well as power generation and water infrastructure. Also, once they gain hold, aquatic invasive species can be impossible to get rid of, and costs run into the millions of dollars each year.
As part of its AIS program, the Ministry of Environment conducts roadside inspections and decontamination of boats and monitors water bodies.
Sightings of aquatic invasive species such as zebra mussels, Prussian carp, flowering rush and goldfish should be reported to the Saskatchewan Turn in Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line at 1-800-667-7561.
More information can be found online.