05/01/2026
Alberta is strengthening its defences against aquatic invasive species this summer.
We are working hard to keep invasive mussels out of our province to protect our lakes, rivers and critical water infrastructure across Alberta.
Alberta is currently free of invasive mussels, and we intend to keep it that way again this summer. If you are going boating, please make sure you Clean, Drain, and Dry all your gear and stop at mandatory inspection stations.
These species can wreak havoc on waterways and ruin infrastructure, destroy habitats and cause hundreds of millions in damages.
Last year, Alberta became the first Canadian jurisdiction to make inspections mandatory, requiring watercraft entering the eastern or southern borders to attend an inspection station.
By defending water bodies, ecosystems and infrastructure, we are protecting jobs, businesses and recreation opportunities across the province.
Alberta’s fines are the highest in North America:
o $4,200 for failing to stop at an open inspection station.
o $600 for failing to remove a drain plug when transporting a watercraft within Alberta.
In 2025, 21,995 boats were inspected, over 8,495 more than during 2024.
o Thirteen watercraft carrying invasive mussels attempted to enter Alberta.
o Contaminated watercraft all entered from the eastern provinces in Canada or the United States.
A new inspection station will be located at the Chief Mountain border crossing in Waterton National Park in collaboration with Parks Canada and Canada Border Services
