Alberta to require inspections for all incoming watercraft starting June 1

A boat propeller encrusted with invasive quagga mussels that was found in Nevada is displayed during a demonstration of a boat inspection for reporters, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020, at a boat launch in Olympia, Wash. Environmental and other agencies seek to stop the spread of invasive mussels because they can clog piping and mechanical systems of industrial plants, utilities, locks and dams. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) (Ted S. Warren/The Associated Press)

The province is stepping up efforts to keep invasive mussels out of our waters.

Starting June 1, Alberta will require mandatory inspections for all incoming watercraft, from Saskatchewan and Montana.

That covers boats, jet skis, kayaks, canoes and paddleboards.

It also remains mandatory for anyone traveling with a watercraft within the province to stop when passing an open station.

Alberta is currently free of zebra and Quagga mussels – and the government wants to keep it that way.

Those species destroy ecosystems, threaten shorelines and cause hundreds of millions of dollars in damaged infrastructure.

“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,” Rebecca Schulz, Alberta Minister of Environment and Protected Species, said in a media release.

“Preventing the introduction of invasive species like zebra and quagga mussels requires proactive action,” said Megan Evans, the executive director of The Alberta Invasive Species Council.

“The Alberta Invasive Species Council supports the Government of Alberta’s strengthened efforts, including mandatory boat inspections. These measures are essential to avoid long-term, costly ecological and economic impacts and to protect our waters and aquatic ecosystems before irreversible damage occurs.”

Eleven inspection stations will be in place this summer and proof-of-inspection stickers will be available.

Failure to stop could result in a $4,200 fine.

For more information, go here.