The Ministry of Environment is reminding people to get watercraft inspections to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

The reminder comes at a time when the presence of invasive zebra mussel has been confirmed in Lake of the Prairies.

Containment orders have been issued for the lake. This requires all watercrafts and equipment used at Lake of the Prairies, as well as the Assiniboine River from the highway 357 crossing west of Togo, to be decontaminated before being moved to any other waterbody. Decontamination means the mussels are less likely to spread to other bodies of water.

Aquatic invasive species are easily spread, and are often extremely difficult or impossible to get rid of, leading to significant environmental, recreational and economic impacts

Watercraft inspections can be made by appointment or throughout the summer and early fall, watercraft inspectors and conservation officers will operate inspection stations and roadside check stops. People are required by law to stop at the check stop if traveling with a watercraft, including boats, jet skis, kayaks, canoes or paddleboards.