Starting June 1, Alberta will become the first province in Canada to require mandatory inspections for all incoming watercraft, a move aimed at protecting the province’s lakes and rivers from invasive mussels.
The new regulation applies to all types of watercraft, including boats, jet skis, kayaks and paddleboards, entering Alberta through its southern and eastern borders.
The inspections will run from June 1 to September 30, with proof-of-inspection stickers issued at designated stations. Those who fail to stop may face fines of up to $4,200.
The measure is a direct response to the growing threat of zebra and quagga mussels, which have caused extensive environmental and infrastructure damage elsewhere in North America. Alberta remains free of the invasive species, but officials say the risk is rising.
“Alberta is the first province in Canada to make watercraft inspections mandatory when travelling from high-risk areas to fight these tiny invasive species,” said Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas. “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.”
These mussels clog water systems, threaten aquatic ecosystems, and have cost the Great Lakes region up to $500 million annually. A single outbreak in Lake McGregor could result in $284 million in damages each year, according to one estimate.
From June through September, all motorized and non-motorized watercraft must stop at inspection stations when entering Alberta. If the closest station is closed, the watercraft must be inspected within seven days and before entering any Alberta water body.
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“This is a proactive step to avoid long-term, costly ecological and economic impacts,” said Megan Evans, executive director of the Alberta Invasive Species Council. “Mandatory inspections are essential to protect our waters before irreversible damage occurs.”
The government is also increasing resources with 11 inspection stations, more staff, extended hours, and added detection tools such as K-9 units and mobile decontamination units. Future plans include extending the inspection season starting in 2026 and implementing all recommendations from the Provincial Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force.
To learn more about inspection locations and requirements, visit alberta.ca/watercraftinspections.