New program announced to keep unwanted creatures out of Alberta lakes

A new watercraft inspection program will prevent the spread of harmful and invasive zebra and quagga mussels in Alberta’s lakes and rivers.

Boats and water equipment entering Alberta from other jurisdictions will be examined for invasive plants and animals, like Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra and quagga mussels.

If a boat is found to have zebra or quagga mussels, it will be decontaminated or the owner will be asked to keep the watercraft out of Alberta’s waters for up to 30 days. If Eurasian watermilfoil or other plants are found on the watercraft, it will be washed on site.

The inspections are part of a larger program safeguarding Alberta’s waterways from non-native species. The initiative also includes a new monitoring program for adult and juvenile mussels as part of Environment and Sustainable Resource Development’s ongoing surface water quality monitoring program.

Zebra and quagga mussels can spread quickly and live out of water for up to 30 days. Once introduced to a waterbody, they are virtually impossible to eradicate and can cause millions of dollars in damage to water-operated infrastructure and harm aquatic ecosystems. Invasive plant species such as Eurasian watermilfoil can crowd out native plants, damaging ecosystems and hindering recreational activities.

Albertans play an important role in protecting the province’s waterways from aquatic invasive species. Report suspicious material on boats or equipment using the toll-free hotline 1-855-336-2628 (BOAT). If you are using your boat in more than one waterbody, be sure to clean, drain and dry your boat and equipment before moving to another. This is especially important if you boat outside of the province.