Alberta floating annual watercraft pass proposal

Commentator/Courier Photo Submitted. ANNUAL WATERCRAFT: Inspectors work to inspect and decontaminate a watercraft.

Southern Alberta Newspapers

Alberta’s government is seeking feedback on an initiative to keep dangerous invasive mussels out of the province.

Alberta is currently free of Zebra and Quagga mussels, but the risk is growing across North America. With more than 600 lakes and countless rivers and streams, there are many chances to explore the province by boat, and for tiny invaders to get established. Invasive mussels can cause millions in damage, threaten water systems, damage environments and put recreational opportunities at risk.

To protect the province, Alberta’s government is exploring an annual pass for boats, jet skis, canoes, kayaks and other watercraft being used throughout the year. All Albertans are invited to share their thoughts on how a potential watercraft pass would work, until August 25.

“We look forward to getting feedback from Albertans on an annual boat pass that will be used in our efforts to prevent aquatic invasive species from wreaking havoc on our provincial waterways. Albertans love the great outdoors, and we all need to work together to keep these invasive species out,” said Grant Hunter, Associate Minister of Water and Chair of the Provincial Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force.

All revenue from a potential watercraft pass would be used to increase invasive species defences. The engagement provides boat owners and others the opportunity to give feedback on how much a pass should cost and how it could be applied, such as one pass per watercraft or one pass per operator.

“Preventing aquatic invasive species like zebra and quagga mussels from entering Alberta is far easier and more cost-effective than trying to manage them after they arrive. Once established, these species permanently alter ecosystems and place a massive burden on infrastructure and recreation. We’re encouraged to see Alberta exploring new prevention strategies, and we urge all Albertans to take this opportunity to provide input. The actions we take now will determine the future health of our lakes and rivers,” said Megan Evans, executive director, Alberta Invasive Species Council.

When it comes to protecting Alberta’s waterways, prevention is the best defence. Zebra mussels alone cause up to $500 million annually in damages to power plants, water systems and industrial water intakes in the Great Lakes region. One study estimated that introducing invasive mussels into Alberta’s Lake McGregor alone could cost $284 million a year in damages.

• In early 2025, Alberta implemented mandatory watercraft inspections for every boat, whether powered or paddled, entering the province from high-risk east and south borders.

• Alberta’s government is investing $18 million over five years, opening more watercraft inspection stations with increased staff and longer operating hours, hiring more K-9 detection teams and buying more decontamination equipment to keep invasive mussels out.

• In 2024, 13,408 watercraft inspections were completed – the most since 2019 – and 15 watercrafts were confirmed positive for invasive mussels.