(File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Environmental stewardship

Province asking boaters to help battle invasive species

May 19, 2020 | 4:56 PM

The provincial government wants those who are putting watercraft out on a lake or other water body to remember to perform certain tasks after they have finished up.

“Every time you leave the water body, or the water, that you’re making sure that you clean your watercraft, we also want you to drain it,” Jeri Geiger, aquatic invasive species coordinator for the Ministry of Environment, said.

Geiger explained these steps are important to take as they can help stop the spread of invasive species.

There are a range of invasive species which the province wants to stop from spreading. They can range from certain types of plant species, to certain kinds of mussels which can be especially harmful. Geiger said there are neighbouring jurisdictions which are having issues with fishhook water fleas and certain kinds of crayfish.

Along with larger motorized boats, Geiger said people using canoes and kayaks also need to remember to clean and dry their equipment after removing it from the water. She added it is also important people with smaller boats know that if they pass an inspection station, they need to stop at it.

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Geiger said by taking the recommended steps people will be helping to protect the environment.

“You’ll do a huge part in preventing the spread of unwanted or invasive species,” she said.

Overall Geiger said the most important message they want to stress is for people to remember to take three main actions after getting out of the water.

“The biggest thing we would like people to do is to follow clean, drain, dry best practices,” she said.

If you spot an invasive species, you are asked to call the Turn in Poachers Line at 1-800-667-7561.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn