It is more effective and efficient to focus on initiatives that prevent aquatic invasive species from spreading than it is to manage and control them once they have been introduced into a waterbody.
It may be possible to control and eradicate certain species under the right conditions, however, without early detection, the window for eradication is very small, or non-existent.
Unfortunately, aquatic invasive species are commonly spread to new waterbodies without detection, and people may unknowingly be spreading these species to new waterbodies when their equipment or boats are not clean, drained and dry.
Saskatchewan has had no detections of invasive zebra or quagga mussels to date and remains free of many highly invasive species such as rusty crayfish, spiny waterflea, and Asian carp that are present in nearby jurisdictions. However, Flowering Rush, Purple Loosestrife, Goldfish, Koi, and Prussian Carp are all aquatic invasive species that have been reported in the province. The provincial government and many stakeholders groups are actively managing these species to the best of their ability through education and outreach, monitoring, policy and regulations, research and control efforts where possible.
If you suspect you have found an aquatic invasive species, please report it to the TIPP line at 1‑800‑667‑7561.
Aquatic Invasive Species in Saskatchewan and Neighbouring Jurisdictions
| Saskatchewan | Alberta | Manitoba | North Dakota | Montana |
| Fish | Fish | Fish | Fish | Fish |
| Common carp Koi Goldfish Prussian carp |
Crucian carp Mosquitofish Prussian carp |
Common carp Goldfish White bass Rainbow smelt |
Common carp Grass carp Silver carp Tubenose goby |
Common carp |
| Plants | Plants | Plants | Plants | Plants |
| Purple loosestrife Flowering rush |
Flowering rush Himalayan balsam Japanese knotweed Pale yellow iris Plumeless thistle Purple loosestrife Tamarisk |
Eurasian watermilfoil Flowering rush Invasive common reed Purple loosestrife |
Curly leaf pondweed Eurasian watermilfoil Didymo |
|
| Other | Other | Other | Other | Other |
| Asian tapeworm Freshwater jellies Rusty crayfish Spiny waterflea Water flea Zebra mussel Koi herpes virus (KHV) Black algae |
Zebra mussel | Asian clam New Zealand mudsnail Faucet snail Fishhook waterflea Spiny waterflea Asian tapeworm Infectious hematopietic necrosis virus Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus Proliferative kidney disease Enteric redmouth disease Heterosporis parasite Whirling disease |