Should Alberta Require an Annual Pass for Boats to Prevent Invasive Mussels?

Official title: Aquatic invasive species annual watercraft pass engagement

Closed Policy & Studies Environment & Climate Natural Resources
Alberta asked whether boat owners should pay for an annual watercraft pass to help stop invasive mussels from entering the province's lakes and rivers. The money would fund inspections, decontamination stations, and the K9 detection program. Zebra and quagga mussels destroy ecosystems and can cause hundreds of millions in infrastructure damage. Alberta is currently mussel-free, but the threat is growing across North America.

Why This Matters

Own a boat, kayak, or paddleboard in Alberta? This could mean a new annual fee every time you hit the water. The pass would help protect lakes you fish, swim, and camp beside. Invasive mussels clog water pipes, wreck boat motors, and cut up feet on beaches. Once they arrive, they're nearly impossible to remove.

What Could Change

Alberta may introduce a mandatory annual pass for all watercraft users. Fees collected would expand inspection stations across the province and fund decontamination equipment. The K9 mussel detection program could grow. New rules might require proof of pass before launching at boat ramps.

Key Issues

  • Should Alberta implement an annual watercraft pass to fund invasive species prevention?
  • How should a watercraft pass program be structured if implemented?

How to Participate

  1. Review the Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force Recommendation Report to understand why this pass was recommended.
  2. Learn about invasive mussels and their impacts on Alberta's waterways.

What Happened

Albertans provided input through an online survey from July 25 to August 25, 2025. Results are currently under review. The feedback will help determine if an annual watercraft pass will be implemented and how the program could be structured.

Key Documents