Get serious about wetland protection

Summers in Saskatchewan are best enjoyed by the water. But when our lakes turn green with algae, holiday plans are cancelled in a hurry — and the health of our environment suffers. The toxic algae is a symptom of a bigger environmental issue. It’s time to get serious about wetland protection in our province.

Earlier this month, the Water Security Agency and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health issued health warnings regarding blue-green algae in some of our southern lakes. While some lakes can be naturally green with algae, nutrient pollution is increasing the frequency and severity of algal blooms. Bluegreen algae can be deadly if ingested by young children, pets and livestock. It also affects aquatic food chains. It disturbs spawning, reduces water supplies, and increases water treatment costs. The impacts are significant.

So, how do wetlands help? Wetlands filter and absorb contaminants and excess nutrients before they reach our rivers and lakes. Unfortunately, many of these natural water filters in Saskatchewan have been lost.

Clean lakes and rivers start with healthy wetlands. The first step is to protect these important ecosystems by stopping wetland drainage, and ensuring there is adequate mitigation measures in place when drainage is necessary. Hot, dry weather promotes algae blooms, but we cannot control the weather. We can control how we manage our water on the land. It’s critical that our provincial government gets on with the business of protecting wetlands. Wetlands are our first line of defence against water quality deterioration and maintaining healthy fisheries. They are ecological powerhouses worthy of protection.

Michael Champion, Regina Champion is head of industry and government relations, Ducks Unlimited Canada