Starting June 1, Alberta will become the first province in Canada to require mandatory inspections for all watercraft crossing its southern and eastern borders, aiming to prevent the spread of invasive zebra and quagga mussels.The initiative, announced by the Government of Alberta, targets boats, jet skis, kayaks, and other watercraft to protect ecosystems, shorelines, and infrastructure from the destructive mussels, which can cause millions in damages. Alberta remains free of zebra and quagga mussels, but their presence is rising across Canada and the United States.“Alberta is the first province in Canada to make watercraft inspections mandatory when travelling from high-risk areas to fight these tiny invasive species,” said Rebecca Schulz, minister of environment and protected areas. “With boating season now underway, we are stepping up to defend our water bodies and ecosystem to continue to protect Alberta jobs, businesses, and the water infrastructure we rely on.”.From June 1 to Sept. 30, all motorized and non-motorized watercraft must be inspected at one of Alberta’s 11 inspection stations. A new proof-of-inspection sticker will be issued to compliant watercraft, with fines up to $4,200 for non-compliance. If a station is closed, inspections must occur within seven days before launching in Alberta’s waters.Grant Hunter, chair of the Provincial Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force and MLA for Taber-Warner, emphasized the broader strategy, “These mandatory stops are part of a plan to safeguard our province against environmentally and financially devastating aquatic invasive species.”Zebra mussels alone cause up to $500 million annually in damages to Great Lakes infrastructure. .Chantelle de Jonge, MLA for Chestermere-Strathmore, noted local benefits, “Communities in my constituency will particularly benefit from these measures, and I know they are ready to do their part.”Megan Evans, executive director of the Alberta Invasive Species Council, supported the move. “These measures are essential to avoid long-term, costly ecological and economic impacts,” she said.In 2024, Alberta conducted 13,408 inspections, identifying 15 mussel-contaminated watercraft. Budget 2025 allocates $18 million over five years to enhance inspection and response programs.
