Albertans play an important role in protecting waterways from aquatic invasive species.

Everyone who enjoys Alberta’s waterways can play a role in keeping our aquatic ecosystems healthy.

Watercrafts are one way non-native species end up in Alberta. By following a few simple steps, boat owners can help reduce the impact introduced species have on our native wildlife.

Here is a checklist to follow before you bring a boat into Alberta.

1. Clean

Clean and inspect watercraft, trailer, and gear.

Remove all plants, animals, and mud at the access area or dock.

At home, soak your gear in a 2% bleach solution for one minute (20 millilitres of bleach per litre of water). Rinse, scrub or pressure wash your boat away from storm drains, ditches or waterways.

2. Drain

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

• bait buckets
• ballasts
• bilges
• coolers
• internal compartments
• livewells
• transom motors

Never release live bait into a waterbody or transfer aquatic plants or animals from one waterbody to another.

For paddle boats, drain them by inverting or tilting the watercraft, opening compartments, and removing seats if necessary.

3. 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.

If you’re using your boat in a number of different waterbodies, be sure to clean, drain, and dry your boat and equipment after you leave each waterbody. This is especially important if you boat outside of the province.

The provincial government is working to keep non-native aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as zebra mussels, quagga mussels, and Eurasian water milfoil out of Alberta through the development of an AIS prevention program. This program includes:

• A 1-800 hotline (1-855-336-2628)
• New watercraft inspection program that will help prevent the spread of aquatic invasives and safeguard Alberta’s waterbodies
• AIS monitoring
• An outreach campaign

For more information on the program or to report something suspicious on your boat or equipment, call toll free: 1-855-336-2628 (BOAT)