The Alberta government is considering an annual pass for all watercraft in a move that it sees will help prevent zebra and quagga mussels from entering provincial waters.
A watercraft is defined as any boat, kayak, canoe, paddleboard, vessel, shipcraft, designed or capable of being used in water, states the government’s website.
The province says revenue from the proposal will fund 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 25 via an online survey.
More details are available at Alberta.ca.Â
Written by: Bernd Van’t Klooster – Vista Radio
