Parks Canada is seeking public assistance in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) within Prince Albert National Park (PANP). The AIS project co-ordinator, Sarah Mitchell, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in this endeavor.
To combat the infiltration of unwanted species, all watercraft entering the park’s waters are now required to have an AIS certification permit and compliance sticker. Any boat that has been outside the province in the past 45 days must undergo inspection and decontamination by Parks Canada personnel at designated stations, a protocol that was initiated in 2025.
Visitor Colin Trudel expressed the significance of safeguarding the park’s lakes, stating, “It would be dreadful to lose something like this.” The regulations are specifically aimed at preventing invasive mussels, such as zebra and quagga mussels, from entering the park’s water systems. These mussels’ larvae, known as veligers, are minuscule and imperceptible to the naked eye. A single female zebra mussel can produce around 1 million eggs annually.
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment highlighted the substantial economic risks posed by invasive mussels to various sectors including irrigation, water power generation, and municipal and industrial water usage. Notably, invasive mussel veligers were detected in the Lake of the Prairies on July 3, prompting concerns about the potential transfer of these species to new locations via standing water.
At the PANP inspection station, Parks Canada staff meticulously search watercraft for organic materials like mud, sand, and plants that could harbor AIS. They employ a pressure washer with hot water to eliminate any invasive species that may be present. Compliance with these measures has been widely observed, with visitors like Trudel and other boaters willingly adhering to the new protocols.
Efforts to educate the public have contributed to improved compliance rates, according to Mitchell. The AIS certification process encompasses all watercraft types, including canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and more. Proper decontamination of equipment that has come into contact with water is crucial, with specific emphasis on cleaning, draining, and drying compartments where water can accumulate.
Failure to comply with AIS regulations can result in fines of up to $25,000 under federal laws. Parks Canada is actively developing a comprehensive AIS plan in collaboration with Indigenous nations, community partners, and stakeholders to ensure the continued protection of park waters while enhancing visitors’ experiences.
Increased roving AIS inspections and staff presence at boat launches have been implemented at PANP to reinforce these protective measures. In 2025, the park permitted 7,000 to 9,000 watercraft entries and conducted 160 decontaminations of high-risk vessels. Mitchell also noted the presence of invasive mussels in neighboring regions, underscoring the importance of proactive measures to prevent their spread.
In addition to mussels, Saskatchewan faces threats from other invasive species like flowering rush and Prussian carp, which jeopardize the native ecosystems. The ongoing efforts to combat AIS serve as a vital component in preserving the ecological integrity of Prince Albert National Park.