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Boat Patrol: Stop Invasive Mussels Spreading!
7 Jul
Summary
- Watercraft entering Prince Albert National Park need AIS certification.
- Mandatory inspections for boats outside the province began in 2025.
- Fines up to $25,000 can be issued for non-compliance with AIS rules.
Parks Canada is intensifying efforts to combat aquatic invasive species (AIS), emphasizing that preventing their spread is a shared responsibility. Effective since 2025, all watercraft entering Prince Albert National Park (PANP) waters must possess an AIS certification permit and compliance sticker.
Watercraft that have been outside Saskatchewan in the past 45 days are subject to mandatory inspection and decontamination by Parks Canada staff. This measure is critical for preventing the introduction of microscopic larvae, such as those from zebra and quagga mussels, which can cause significant ecological and economic damage.
Compliance with these regulations is crucial, as non-compliant individuals face fines of up to $25,000 under federal AIS regulations. Parks Canada is also developing a comprehensive, long-term AIS plan, incorporating input from Indigenous nations and community partners, to ensure the continued protection of park waters.
