Though Invasive Species Awareness Week has just ended, the problems they pose haven't, as Saskatchewan has quite a few invasive species that pose problems to our environment and infrastructure.

Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, Darrell Crabbe, says residents need to keep their eyes out for terrestrial, water-based and plant-based invasive species such as wild boar, leafy spurge, Prussian carp, and purple loosestrife. Aquatic invasive species, however, like zebra and quagga mussels, pose the greatest threat to the environment.

"I would suggest that the aquatic invasive species are probably the most concerning right now. In other jurisdictions, especially in Ontario, they've created hundreds of millions of dollars worth of infrastructure and environmental impact problems with native species. That's probably the most significant issue we have right now."

Zebra Mussels (Photo courtesy of the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment)

The 'Clean, Drain, Dry' awareness campaign in the province is aimed at preventing the spread of these species. Everyone hauling boats throughout the year is asked to remove all visible plants, animals, and mud, and to wash, scrub, or rinse boats when finished.

There's also another invasive species making its way into our provincial lakes and rivers...one that many of us are familiar with.

"Unfortunately, we still have people who are releasing goldfish into our provincial waters and they cause a great deal of damage. They grow very quickly back to 10–15-pound fish and start to reproduce. They are not native and they cause a great deal of difficulty."

Much of the fight against invasive species comes from preparedness, awareness, and prevention. Many species that are considered invasive were not released into the wild on purpose.