• Alberta waters are at risk of becoming infested with Aquatic Invasive Species. The movement of watercraft into Alberta is the highest risk of infecting our waters.
• Always Clean, Drain and Dry any equipment used in the water before moving between water-bodies to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and whirling disease.
• Whirling disease has been detected in Alberta. Transferring fish, mud, or water between water-bodies can spread this untreatable disease.

What is an Aquatic Invasive Species?

It's a non-native species or disease that threatens the:

• Diversity or abundance of native species and the ecological health of infested waters
• Recreational, agricultural or commercial activities dependent on water in lakes, rivers, streams and canals

Does Alberta have Quagga or Zebra Mussels?

Not yet, and let's keep it that way. Prevention is the most effective way to manage AIS. We currently have some infestations of lower risk aquatic invasive species that are being managed locally - purple loosestrife for example.

How are Aquatic Invasive Species and Whirling Disease spread?

• Invasive species and diseases are primarily spread through transportation of water-based vessels or gear moved from infected waters to unaffected areas. The movement of infected fish, water or sediment may also spread invasive species and whirling disease.
• Mussel infected lakes have been found in Manitoba (Lake Winnipeg), Utah, Southwest United States and Eastern North America.
• Boaters are discouraged from transporting boats from these areas.

How can I prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species and Whirling Disease?

• Clean, Drain and Dry your boat and all equipment used in the water before departing a site.
• Pull the Plug! It is illegal to transport your watercraft with the drain plug still in place. Remove the plug to ensure all standing water is drained. The microscopic spores of whirling disease, as well as the microscopic veligers of invasive mussels cannot be seen by the naked eye and will survive for days in a watercraft’s standing water.
• AIS like Quagga and Zebra Mussles can spread quickly and can live out of water for up to 30 days.
• Whirling disease spores can remain viable in water anywhere from 3 to 30 years.
• Learn to identify Aquatic Invasive Species.

What is Alberta Parks doing to address this issue?

• Alberta Parks is collaborating with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas and other government and external agencies to ensure prepared response should an AIS be introduced into a Provincial waterbody.
• Providing AIS education and awareness to Alberta Parks visitors through posters and information cards at visitor services.
• Attending education events in collaboration with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas.

Contacts to report something suspicious on your boat or equipment, or for more information

• Alberta: 1-855-336-2628 (BOAT)
• Montana: 1-406-TIP-MONT (1-406-847-6668)
• British Columbia: 1-888-933-3722

Additional Resources

• Don't Let it Loose
• Clean, Drain, Dry your Gear
• My Wild Alberta.ca
• Aquatic Invasive Species Threatening the Crown of the Continent publication