Aquatic Invasive Species

Zebra Mussels and Quagga Mussels

The Old Wives Watershed is working to monitor and raise awareness about aquatic invasive species. We have been working with other watershed groups in the province and the Ministry of Environment to monitor lakes and waterbodies across Saskatchewan.

Over the past few years, we have been monitoring for the presence of Zebra & Quagga Mussels in the watershed. Each year the watershed deploys substrate samplers at Thomson Lake, Gaumond Bay, Old Wives Lake, Summercove and Gouverneur Dam to check for the presence of these invasive mussels.

Over the past two years, we have also been collecting water samples that are sent to a lab to check for the presence of invasive mussels larvae where they can spot these invasive mussels before they become visible to the eye or microscopes.

The results for 2019 were negative for invasive mussel larvae!

For more information on how to Clean, Drain and Dry click here or check out the video below.

Thanks to the Fish and Development Fund, the Invasive Species Center and the Saskatchewan Association of Watershed for their funding and support of this important work.

Facts about Invasive Mussels

  • Any freshwater mussel that is attached to your equipment is an invasive mussel and should be reported to the TIP line.

  • Washing your boat with hot water and following the CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY protocol will greatly reduce the threat of spreading these species.

  • zebra and quagga mussels are virtually impossible to eradicate.

  • they can spread rapidly – with one female producing up to a million eggs per year.

  • Invasive mussels can disrupt natural food chains, create toxic algae blooms decrease property values and reduce recreational enjoyment of natural areas.

  • Can cause millions of dollars in damage to water-operated infrastructure and can clog water supplies to SaskPower facilities, hindering power generation.

  • pose a risk for cottages and homes that rely on these waterways for their water supply.