The fishing derby includes Manitoba and Saskatchewan lakes between the 54th and 55th parallels. Fisheries departments in both provinces remind you to take the necessary steps to ensure aquatic invasive species are not introduced to the waters in our provinces. These plants, fish and invertebrates can damage aquatic habitat and fisheries, as well as power generation and water infrastructure. Once established these species can be impossible to eliminate and cost millions of dollars to manage each year.
As part of the AIS program roadside inspections and decontamination of watercraft are conducted as well as monitoring water bodies in the province. Boat owners must stop at ministry inspection stations and are required to remove the drain plugs from their watercraft during transportation. Bait and fish should not be moved from one water body to another.
More information about aquatic invasive species can be found at www.saskatchewan.ca/invasive-species or www.manitoba.ca/stopais.
