Starting June 1, all boats, jet skis, kayaks and other watercraft entering via Alberta’s east or south borders must be inspected.
Invasive mussels threaten the water systems that families, farmers and businesses rely on and can cause millions in damages. Alberta is currently 100 per cent free of the tiny invaders but the risk is growing across North America. From clogging irrigation pipes, damaging pumps and disrupting water delivery, zebra and quagga mussels can put the food, farms and livelihoods that Albertans depend on at risk.
As of June 1, it is now mandatory for every boat, whether powered or paddled, entering the province from the east and south to get inspected for invasive mussels or other invasive species. If an inspection station is not open, all watercrafts crossing these high-risk borders must be inspected before launch and within 7 days or face fines up to $4,200.
Inspectors work to inspect and decontaminate a watercraft (Credit: Alberta government) Until Sept. 30, upon crossing into Alberta from the eastern or southern borders, anyone transporting a watercraft needs to stop at a station for inspection. If the nearest station is closed, inspections are still required within seven days and before launching into any Alberta waterbody.
Inspectors will provide a sticker for watercraft owners to display as proof of inspection. It remains mandatory for anyone travelling with a watercraft to stop when passing an open station, regardless of entry point.
Alberta’s government has also invested in opening 11 watercraft inspection stations this year with increased staff and longer operating hours, more K-9 detection teams and additional mobile decontamination units.
Information on station locations, operating hours and more can be found at alberta.ca/watercraftinspections.
Information provided by the Government of Alberta