Starting June 1, Alberta mandates inspections for all incoming watercraft to protect against invasive mussels. Fines up to $4,200 apply.
In a first-of-its-kind move in Canada, Alberta is mandating inspections for all watercraft entering the province from Saskatchewan and Montana starting June 1. This includes not just motorboats and jet skis but also non-motorized vessels like kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.
A Pioneering Step to Block Invasive Mussels
The goal: protect Alberta’s lakes and waterways from destructive invasive species like zebra and quagga mussels. Known for damaging ecosystems, clogging infrastructure, and driving up maintenance costs, these mussels pose a serious threat.
“Alberta is the first province in Canada to make watercraft inspections mandatory when travelling from high-risk areas,” said Rebecca Schulz, Alberta’s Minister of Environment and Protected Species. “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.”
Within-Province Stops Still Mandatory
Even watercraft already within Alberta must stop at any open inspection station they pass. Eleven inspection stations will be in operation across the province this summer, and proof-of-inspection stickers will be issued.
Non-Compliance Could Cost You
The consequences for skipping an inspection stop are steep: fines can reach $4,200. This reinforces Alberta’s commitment to proactive ecological defense.
Expert Support for the Crackdown
Megan Evans, Executive Director of the Alberta Invasive Species Council, backed the province’s decision. “Mandatory boat inspections are essential to avoid long-term, costly ecological and economic impacts,” she said. “Preventing the introduction of invasive species like zebra and quagga mussels requires proactive action.”
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