The Alberta Aquatic Invasive Species Program
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Through the development of this program Alberta Environment and Parks, stakeholders and industries can address invasive species in Alberta's waters. This way we can mitigate any risks to the environment, the economy, and human health.
Five Elements of the Alberta Aquatic Invasive Species Program |
Image Source: Alberta Environment and Parks
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What can I do to help stop the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species?
You can help prevent invasive species from impacting Alberta's aquatic ecosystems. Alberta Environment and Parks has several initiatives to help you do your part to stop the spread!
All boaters must take part in the Clean, Drain, Dry (Your Boat) campaign. This involves 3 easy steps that will greatly reduce the potential for invasive species to be transported on watercraft.
1) Clean
On land, before leaving the waterbody, drain all water from:
In Alberta, it is illegal to transport watercraft with the drain plug still in place. Make sure you drain all water from your boat and leave drain plugs out!
All boaters must take part in the Clean, Drain, Dry (Your Boat) campaign. This involves 3 easy steps that will greatly reduce the potential for invasive species to be transported on watercraft.
1) Clean
- Clean and inspect watercraft, trailer and gear
- Remove all plants, animals, and mud at the access area or dock
- At home, soak your gear in a bleach solution for at least one minute
- Rinse, scrub or pressure wash your boat away from storm drains, ditches or waterways
On land, before leaving the waterbody, drain all water from:
- Bait buckets
- Ballasts
- Bilges
- Coolers
- Internal compartments
- Livewells, etc.
- Dry the watercraft and gear completely between trips and allow the wet areas of your boat to air dry
- Leave compartments open and sponge out standing water.
In Alberta, it is illegal to transport watercraft with the drain plug still in place. Make sure you drain all water from your boat and leave drain plugs out!
Don't Let it Loose
The presence of non-native aquarium species in Alberta's waterbodies is on the rise. Releasing aquarium or aquatic horticultural species of wildlife and plants in illegal in Alberta, and can be very detrimental to native species and natural ecosystems. The Don't Let it Loose campaign provides information and educational material for aquarium owners, aquatic horticulturalists and live food market customers to make sure they don't release (intentionally or accidentally) unwanted species of plants, animals and invertebrates on to Alberta's landscapes. For more information, click here.
Provincial Watercraft Inspections
Catching aquatic invasive species while they're hitching a ride on watercraft is very important in preventing their spread. Invasive species can hide in water that hasn't been drained from boats, in bilge areas, on your trailer, or even in equipment such as life jackets. In Alberta, watercraft inspections are the law! When you see signs directing you to a station, you must have your watercraft inspected. At the station, your boat and accessories will be examined for the presence of aquatic invasive species. This may include the use of a sniffer dog to detect mussels or other invasive species.
If your boat is clean: you will be cleared to go with a Proof of Inspection form
If invasive species are detected: your watercraft will need to undergo a decontamination procedure
In order to make watercraft inspections quick and efficient, it's important that you follow the Clean, Drain, Dry procedures. Doing your part to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species will make sure watercraft inspections run smoothly and get you on your way quickly.
Remember that boat inspections are mandatory in Alberta!
If your boat is clean: you will be cleared to go with a Proof of Inspection form
If invasive species are detected: your watercraft will need to undergo a decontamination procedure
In order to make watercraft inspections quick and efficient, it's important that you follow the Clean, Drain, Dry procedures. Doing your part to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species will make sure watercraft inspections run smoothly and get you on your way quickly.
Remember that boat inspections are mandatory in Alberta!
Government of Alberta, 2015
albertaaquaticinvasives.ca is a collaborative project supported by the Edmonton Trout Fishing Club and Alberta Environment and Parks.