Alberta Parks workers man the mandatory boat inspection station at the weigh scales near Dunmore on Wednesday afternoon. The province has announced fines related to avoiding zebra mussel inspection will go up substantially on June 20.--News Photo Collin Gallant
@MedicineHatNews
Fines for avoiding boat inspection stations searching for zebra mussels will increase more than tenfold this month as Alberta ramps up its efforts to prevent the spread of the invasive species.
Starting June 20, boat owners will be liable for a $4,200 fine if they fail to stop for inspection at mandatory check and washing stations. That is an increase from $324, while the fine for failing to drain bilge before entering the province goes from $180 to $600.
Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz said the changes make fines in Alberta the highest in North America .
“Zebra mussels and other invasive species can devastate Alberta’s rivers, lakes and waterways,” she said in a release Wednesday. “We want everyone to take inspection and detection seriously. Alberta is currently zebra and quagga mussel free, so let’s keep ’em out.”
For years, irrigation districts, environmental advocates and the province has promoted the potential danger posed by the aquatic pest that can clog water pipes and irrigation works, and can survive out of water for 30 days.
The province said a recent study estimated that if mussels spread into the province, costs could total $284 million a year in damages.
Inspectors found 19 boats were contaminated arriving in the province in 2023 among 8,800 that were inspected.
A further 38 boat owners were charged or warned after failing to stop for inspection at roadside
This year, Alberta has hired 15 new inspectors, bringing the number to 50, and will spend an additional $2.5 million on the effort, including the creation of the Alberta Invasive Species Council.
That body’s head, Megan Evans, stated in Wednesday’s release that “prevention is the most effective way to prevent mussels from establishing and destructively impacting Alberta’s waterbodies.”
