Keeping Alberta invasive mussel free: Let’s keep ‘em out!

Posted on July 25, 2024 by admin

This 2024 watercraft inspection season, Alberta is imposing the largest fines in North America for failing to stop at mandatory watercraft inspection station and transporting a watercraft with the drain plug in place. 

These increased fines are in direct response to the growing concern of aquatic invasive species like zebra mussels and quagga mussels. These species may be tiny, but they can have massive negative impacts to our economy and Alberta’s irrigation infrastructure.

The potential cost of an invasive mussel infestation is over $75 million annually to irrigation infrastructure and $284 million to Lake McGregor alone. 

The introduction of these mussels to Alberta’s waters would devastate our ecosystems, clog water-related property and infrastructure, and will cost millions annually to manage an infestation. 

The province is currently 100 percent free of these disastrous species and we want to keep it that way. 

We are taking preventative action to ensure these invasive species never infest our waters. Within these steps are two amendments that will increase penalties. The total fine for failing to stop at a watercraft inspection station will be raised from $324 to $4,200. The total fine for transporting a watercraft without removing the bilge drain plug will increase from $180 to $600.

Additionally, watercraft inspection stations have been increased this season and Alberta’s first Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force has been established.

When it comes to keeping Alberta invasive mussel free, it is up to all Albertans and boaters to remain diligent of these invasive species and follow the new rules. 

Clean, drain, and dry your gear, stop at all mandatory inspection stations, and remove the bilge plug or risk facing big fines. 

Let’s keep em out!

Rebecca Schulz

Alberta Environment Minister