A few invasive mussels can rapidly damage boats, ecosystems and infrastructure. (Government of Alberta)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

HIGHEST FINES IN NORTH AMERICA

Clean, drain, dry: Alberta increases efforts to prevent invasive mussel species

Aug 1, 2024 | 11:19 AM

As reports of invasive species are increasing across Canada and the United States, the Alberta government is hoping to increase public awareness of zebra mussels, quagga mussels, and other species to prevent them from entering the province.

Alberta is currently zebra and quagga mussel free, but officials warn that these tiny mussel species can be easily spread through boats and other watercraft. They can rapidly damage waterways and infrastructure, destroy habitats and cause hundreds of millions in damages. This can include damage to native fisheries, water quality, irrigation infrastructure and habitats.

The province says it is launching a multi-phase campaign in an effort to increase awareness of the dangers of invasive mussels and how to keep them out. This long weekend, all boaters are encouraged to avoid big fines and keep the province safe by cleaning, draining and drying their gear, and stopping at inspection stations.

“This long weekend, we’re asking for all Albertans’ help in keeping our province invasive mussel free. It’s up to all of us to remain diligent and do our part so these invasive species stay outside our borders. They may be tiny, but the environmental and financial damage they would cause if introduced is massive, so let’s keep ’em out,” says Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas.

This summer, Alberta raised the fines, setting the largest fines in North America. Fines for failing to stop with a trailered boat at an open inspection station are now $4,200, and for failing to remove a bilge plug when transporting a watercraft on a roadway are $600.

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Billboards highlighting increased fines are now live at key locations across the province, with a social media and online campaign rolling out throughout the summer. The province says it is launching this campaign before the long weekend to ensure all Albertans and visitors going boating this summer are aware of the increased fines, stop at all mandatory watercraft inspection stations, and clean, drain, and dry their gear before entering the province.

Billboards are now being displayed near many inspection stations to stop invasive mussels. (Government of Alberta)

Government officials say the campaign will also include retro graphics inspired by the successful Rat Control campaign and will be displayed on posters which will be distributed across the province, social media, digital advertisements, and inspection stations to help reach as many people as possible.

Along with the highest fines in North America and a public awareness campaign, the government also launched a new Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force and increased the number of inspection stations, added more inspectors, and is keeping stations open as long as possible.

Residents and travellers are advised to follow the steps below to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species and diseases.

Clean

• Inspect and clean all watercraft, trailers and gear after every adventure.
• Remove all mud, sand, water and plant traces before leaving the shoreline.
• Rinse, scrub or pressure wash your boat, kayak or canoe and gear on dry land away from storm water drains, ditches or waterways. Do not use a local carwash – if invasive species are present, you could unknowingly introduce them as the water from the carwash is released into the environment.

Drain

On land, before leaving the water body, drain all water from:

• internal compartments (for example: ballasts, bilges and livewells);
• bait buckets;
• coolers;
• life jackets and other gear.
• Raise and lower outboard engines several times to ensure all water has drained out.
• Drain non-motorized watercraft by inverting or tilting the watercraft, opening compartments and removing seats if necessary.

Dry

• 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.

As of July 24, Alberta has inspected more than 5,500 boats and other watercrafts, nine of which were confirmed positive for invasive mussels. Government officials say the boats were all entering Alberta from other provinces in Canada or the United States, including a sailboat travelling from Ontario, a ski boat travelling from Manitoba and a boat coming from Arizona.

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