Aquatic invasive species

AIS are non-native plants, animals, invertebrates and diseases introduced to ecosystems either accidently or intentionally by human activity. Below is a list of AIS of particular concern for Prince Albert National Park. View the full Saskatchewan AIS profiles.

Zebra and quagga mussels

Zebra and quagga mussels are small, fan-shaped, and range from dark brown to white in colour. A few mussels can produce millions of eggs. They are efficient at filtering nutrients from the water, leaving little to no food for native species. Dense colonies of mussels can plug drinking water and wastewater infrastructure and cover boat motors. They also can make shorelines unusable because of their sharp shells and odour. Invasive mussels are of highest concern. To date, there is no proven method for removing invasive mussels.

Whirling disease

Whirling disease is caused by a parasite. The parasite causes skeletal deformities of an infected fish’s body or head, usually in young fish, and the tail may appear dark or black. The disease can be spread to other waterbodies through spores in mud. This disease is not harmful to humans or other mammals but can have significant effects on salmonid fish populations, such as Lake Trout.

Eurasian watermilfoil

Eurasian watermilfoil is a perennial, submersed aquatic plant that grows in thick mats in shallow water areas like beaches. This creates undesirable swimming conditions. The mats also impact native fish species by reducing oxygen levels in the water and outcompeting native plants. New colonies can form from a single stem, seed or leaf.

Spiny water flea

Spiny water flea competes with native species for food and can lead to large declines in native zooplankton numbers. They are not a desirable food source due to their long tails and spines, allowing them to establish large populations.

Prussian carp

Prussian carp can reproduce by using sperm from other species of carp. Producing clones of the parent fish and disrupting reproductive rates of native fish. They out-compete native fish populations for food and habitat. Prussian carp impact irrigation and tourism by reducing water quality.

AIS spread when people transfer mud, water, and live or dead organisms (such as plants, invertebrates and fish) between water bodies. Activities like boating, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing can spread AIS.

Boats can spread microscopic invasive species, such as young zebra and quagga mussels, weed seeds, fish eggs, and diseases. These species survive in bilges, live wells, ballast tanks or bags and bait buckets and any gear that holds moisture, like life jackets and ropes. Invasive mussels can survive in moist areas for days and even weeks. Motorized watercrafts pose the highest risk due to their complex structures and operating systems. But all watercraft and water-related gear can carry AIS.

Detailed inspections may be necessary to remove all organic matter. Visitors can prevent the spread of AIS by following Clean Drain Dry best practices and adhering to regional and local requirements.

To prevent AIS, it is important to Clean Drain Dry all watercraft and water-related gear before and after use, no matter where you are. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Motorized watercraft
• Canoes
• Fishing gear
• Kayaks
• Kiteboards and sails
• Paddles
• Rowboats
• Stand up paddle boards (SUP)
• Inflatables
• Inner tubes
• Lifejackets
• Rubber boots
• Waders and wading boots
• Wetsuits
• Sand pails and shovels
• Flippers and fins
• Masks and snorkel tubes
• Water shoes
• Anything that comes in contact with water

Following Clean Drain Dry guidelines is the best way to prevent the spread of AIS, no matter where you are. Make Clean Drain Dry a habit before entering and after leaving any waterbodies. This includes before and after visiting Prince Albert National Park.

Currently, there is no evidence of AIS in Prince Albert National Park. But, AIS is spreading across Canada and is a threat.

Prussian carp has spread to Saskatchewan. Invasive mussels, spiny water flea, or whirling disease have not established in Saskatchewan. Zebra and quagga mussels are spreading quickly. They have spread in Ontario, Manitoba, Quebec in Canada and 34 US states . Whirling disease is present in Alberta and British Columbia.

• Learn more about the AIS profiles and the species of concern for Saskatchewan.
• A map of the spread of zebra mussels in the U.S. and Canada.

Invasive species are the second biggest threat to the planet's ecosystems, after habitat loss. The consequences of AIS include:

Reduced biodiversity and habitat quality:

AIS reduce the natural biodiversity and populations of native species, including species at risk. AIS prey on other species, compete for food or space or live on or in another organism. They also alter ecosystems and fish habitat, for example through eroding or destroying vegetation.

Increased costs and economic implications:

The presence of AIS cause substantial costs for aquatic industries and water infrastructure. For example, colonies of zebra and quagga mussels can block wastewater treatment plants, drinking water facilities and water lines to dams or power stations. It is costly to control, monitor and remove AIS after establishment. This results in decreased revenue to many industries, including tourism, water treatment and fisheries. Canada has spent billions of dollars to prevent, monitor and manage the impacts of invasive mussels since they arrived in the country in the 1980s.

Affected tourism and recreational opportunities:

AIS affects the tourism industry and visitor experiences. It impacts fishing, swimming, beaches and boating. AIS, like zebra mussels, attach themselves to tourism infrastructure, including marinas and docks. They push natives species out of recreational fishing areas and make water unsuitable for swimming. On the beach, mussel shells are sharp and can cut beachgoers' feet.

Prevention is the most efficient and cost-effective way to manage AIS.

Parks Canada works with the Government of Saskatchewan and other local water agencies to detect and prevent the spread of AIS. Prince Albert National Park conducts annual monitoring in many of its high-risk waterbodies to detect the presence of AIS. Parks Canada staff conduct water sampling for eDNA to detect larval zebra mussels, called veligers, and other AIS that could threaten park and neighbouring ecosystems. Staff also inspect docks, rope and buoys opportunistically at the end of each season.

A long-term AIS prevention strategy is in development for Prince Albert National Park.

Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species is a shared responsibility. Following Clean Drain Dry guidelines is the best way to prevent the spread of AIS.

To find out what other national parks are doing to manage AIS, please visit the following sites:

• Riding Mountain National Park
• Waterton National Park
• Banff National Park
• Jasper National Park
• Kootenay National Park
• Yoho National Park