Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government is considering introducing an annual pass for all types of watercraft, including boats, canoes, kayaks, and jet skis, as part of a broader strategy to shield the province’s waterways from invasive species.
In a statement released Friday, Alberta’s Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas outlined the proposal, emphasizing that it is primarily aimed at preventing the spread of invasive zebra and quagga mussels. The government is now calling on the public to weigh in through an online survey, which will help shape the final framework of the initiative.
The survey poses several key questions to Albertans, including how a “watercraft” should be defined and whether the proposed pass should apply per watercraft or per operator.
Currently, Alberta remains free of zebra and quagga mussels, aggressive, fast-spreading species native to Europe that have already taken hold in parts of Canada and the United States. These mussels can severely disrupt local ecosystems, clog irrigation and water systems, and cause extensive infrastructure damage that is both expensive and difficult to reverse.
Their primary method of spread is through boats and other watercraft transported overland between water bodies without proper cleaning.
To address the growing threat, Alberta earlier this year launched mandatory watercraft inspections at provincial entry points, particularly from high-risk regions to the south and east. The inspections include specialized K-9 units and equipment to detect and decontaminate potentially infested vessels.
