Parks Canada is seeking the assistance of the public in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). According to Sarah Mitchell, the AIS project co-ordinator at Prince Albert National Park (PANP), preventing the spread of AIS is a collective responsibility.
To hinder the infiltration of unwanted species, all watercraft entering the waters of Prince Albert National Park must possess an AIS certification permit and compliance sticker. If a boat has been outside the province within the last 45 days, it must undergo inspection and decontamination by Parks Canada staff at an inspection station—a measure that has been mandatory since 2025.
Visitor Colin Trudel expressed the importance of safeguarding the lakes, highlighting the potential consequences of losing such natural assets. The regulations have been put in place primarily to prevent invasive mussels like zebra and quagga mussels from entering the park’s water bodies. These mussels’ larvae, known as veligers, are minuscule and invisible to the naked eye, with a single female zebra mussel producing about 1 million eggs annually.
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment emphasized the significant economic risks posed by invasive mussels to various sectors such as irrigation, water power generation, and municipal and industrial water use. The identification of invasive mussel veligers in the Lake of the Prairies on July 3 prompted concerns about the potential transfer of these species to new locations through standing water.
At the PANP inspection station, Parks Canada staff meticulously scan watercraft for organic materials that could harbor AIS, such as mud, sand, and plants. They employ a pressure washer with heated water to eradicate any aquatic invasive species present. Additionally, entry gate staff at PANP are informing visitors about the new regulations, with most individuals showing willingness to comply.
Boaters at the marina, including Trudel and Pernell Kirby, were required to present their 2026 permit and compliance stickers before launching their boats. Kirby emphasized the importance of maintaining cleanliness to prevent the transfer of contaminants between locations.
Efforts to educate the public have contributed to enhanced compliance with AIS regulations, according to Mitchell. The AIS certification process encompasses all watercraft types entering the water, including canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and more. Owners are advised to clean, drain, and dry compartments where water can accumulate and to remove drain plugs from their boats.
Non-compliance with AIS rules could result in fines up to $25,000 under federal AIS regulations. Parks Canada is working on developing a comprehensive AIS plan in collaboration with Indigenous nations, community partners, and stakeholders to protect park waters while ensuring a positive visitor experience. Moreover, increased roving AIS inspections and staff presence at boat launches have been implemented at PANP.
In 2025, PANP permitted 7,000 to 9,000 watercraft and conducted 160 decontaminations on high-risk watercraft. Invasive mussels have previously been detected in Manitoba and the southern United States, with zebra mussels found in Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba in 2023. This year, Parks Canada lifted a ban on watercraft from Clear Lake that was imposed in 2025 to halt the spread of these mussels.
In Saskatchewan, invasive species like flowering rush and Prussian carp also pose a threat to native species. Prince Albert National Park has intensified its efforts by increasing staff presence at boat launches and conducting more roving AIS inspections to ensure the protection of its waters.
