With the Legislature set to wrap up and with summer season around the corner, Battlefords MLA Herb Cox reminded residents in the province about the threat posed by aquatic invasive species in rivers and lakes.
Cox made his remarks Monday during members’ statements. The Legislature was due to wrap up its spring sitting Thursday as MLAs return to their constituencies for the summer months.
Here is a transcript of Cox’s statement as recorded in Hansard.
Mr. Cox: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan has thousands of pristine lakes and rivers and is certainly a popular choice for tourists and residents to enjoy fishing and other water-based recreational opportunities. Aquatic invasive species, such as zebra and quagga mussels, pose a serious threat to the lakes and waterways in Western Canada.
Last week the Government of Saskatchewan proclaimed Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week to continue educating and raising awareness about aquatic invasive species. Aquatic invasive species are impossible to eliminate if they become established in a water body and can cost millions of dollars to manage.
As this session comes to a close and we all head out to our favourite lakes this summer, I encourage everyone in this Assembly to speak with their families, their friends, their neighbours about joining our efforts in taking care of our lakes and rivers. Prevention is the most effective and possibly only solution to aquatic invasive species.
This week and all year long, we want to raise awareness and educate boaters and other recreational water users to clean, drain, dry boats, watercraft, and related water equipment. That is why it is so important for everyone to recognize Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week.
Our efforts to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species in Saskatchewan and across Western Canada will ensure residents and visitors can continue to enjoy the natural beauty of our province, and we can help to ensure these resources will be part of our future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
