The Alberta government is considering an annual pass for all watercraft to help prevent zebra and quagga mussels from entering provincial waters.
The province says the proposed pass would cover motorized and non-motorized vessels, with all revenue funding inspections, decontamination stations, and other prevention measures.
According to the Government of Alberta website, over 13,000 watercraft inspections were completed in 2024, with 15 boats found contaminated. Invasive mussels can cause hundreds of millions in damage to infrastructure, water systems, and ecosystems once established.
Public feedback on the proposed pass is open until August 25th via an online survey.
To find the survey, visit Alberta.ca.
Story written by Bernd Van’t Klooster