Protecting Alberta’s borders from invasive species

Alberta is currently 100 per cent free from zebra mussels, quagga mussels and other aquatic invasive species, but reports continue increasing in provinces and states across North America. These species can wreak havoc on waterways and ruin infrastructure, destroy habitats and cause hundreds of millions in damages.

If passed, Budget 2025 will invest $18.2 million over five years to expand Alberta’s aquatic invasive species inspection, detection and rapid response programs. By defending water bodies, ecosystems and infrastructure, Alberta’s government is protecting jobs, local economies and recreational opportunities across the province.

“Our province is doing more to fight these invasive species than anywhere else in Canada. These additional inspection stations and K-9 inspection dogs will help us step up protections across Alberta, and we will be announcing even more right before boating season.”

Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas
 
“We must keep Alberta 100% invasive mussel free. That’s why, our province will be continuing to step up our fight to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species that threaten our waterways and livelihoods.”

Grant Hunter, chair of the Provincial Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force and MLA for Taber-Warner

Last year, Alberta took a range of actions that helped to protect the province, including establishing the highest fines in North America, launching the Provincial Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force, expanding inspection stations and inspectors, and advocating to the federal government for increased action. More than 13,000 boats and watercrafts entering the province were inspected, the most since 2019.