Alberta has unveiled a comprehensive plan to bolster its defences against invasive aquatic species like zebra and quagga mussels.
The Provincial Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Task Force has issued recommendations aimed at improving detection, prevention, and response measures to protect the province’s ecosystems and infrastructure.
“Invasive mussels may be tiny, but the damage they cause is massive,” said Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas.
“The work of this task force was vital for identifying ways to improve defense programs across our province, and we will continue to push the federal government to take this threat as seriously as we are.”
Zebra and quagga mussels, non-native to Canada, pose significant risks, including clogging waterways, disrupting ecosystems, and causing hundreds of millions of dollars in annual damages. These species are often unintentionally introduced through the movement of boats and other watercraft.
In 2024, Alberta conducted a record 13,408 watercraft inspections, with 15 watercraft confirmed to be carrying invasive mussels. The province remains mussel-free, but task force members emphasized the need for continued vigilance.
“The AIS Task Force did great work helping safeguard our waterways,” said Grant Hunter, MLA for Taber-Warner and task force chair.
“It is critical that we keep quagga and zebra mussels out of Alberta’s waterways. Alberta has 70% of Canada’s irrigation, and it would cripple our irrigation farmers.”
Key recommendations from the task force include:
Implementing a mandatory annual watercraft sticker program to confirm inspections.
Piloting a decontamination dip tank for watercraft.
Requiring mandatory inspections for all watercraft entering Alberta from eastern or southern borders.
Advocating for expanded federal approval of chemical treatments for aquatic invasive species.
Establishing a provincial eDNA monitoring program for early detection.
Developing invasive mussel-specific response and tactical plans.
Conducting training exercises for rapid response to mussel infestations.
The task force, composed of experts and stakeholders, provided guidance on improving education, awareness, and infrastructure to prevent invasive species.
Members included representatives from the Alberta Wildlife Federation, Alberta Invasive Species Council, Alberta Lake Management Society, and other organizations.
Environment and Protected Areas will prioritize these recommendations for implementation ahead of the 2025 season, aiming to maintain Alberta’s mussel-free status and safeguard its waterways.