Province releases aquatic Invasive Species Task Force recommendations

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Provincial Alberta Invasive Species Task Force has recommended seven measures to combat the spread of aquatic invasive species, putting particular emphasis on reducing the spread of invasive mussels.

These species, which include Zebra and Quagga mussels, are not native to Canada and are capable of causing significant damage both to local ecosystems and infrastructure. 

“Federally, I had 44 MPs that have signed letters (regarding) what we need to do about it. I have met with people from the northwest United States; they have spent a lot of time and money on trying to keep the zebra mussels and quagga mussels out of their waterways,” said Bow River Riding MP, Martin Shields. “It is now spread in Manitoba, and we knew it was in Lake Winnipeg years ago, but it is now into the river systems and it is causing a lot of problems. This is a huge threat to our irrigation world.”

Shields added if invasive mussels are enabled to enter Lake Chestermere, both its recreational uses, as well as the water drawn from the water body for irrigation purposes will be severely impacted.

Among the potential damages to infrastructure is the clogging of pipes used by municipalities to draw water.

The recommendations included in the report are as follows:

To implement a mandatory annual watercraft sticker initiative in Alberta with all revenue dedicated to supporting the Alberta Invasive Species program, as well as a second inspection sticker that would provide visual proof of inspection when reporting to an inspection station.

The Minister of Environment and Protected Areas advocated to the federal government on behalf of the Alberta Invasive Species Program for more chemical options to be registered to treat aquatic invasive species.

That Environment and Protected Areas establish an eDNA monitoring program for aquatic invasive species, as well as create an invasive mussel-specific early detection and rapid response plan, and a detailed tactical plan.

Tabletop and field-based exercises for invasive mussel response training in Alberta is to be conducted in May 2025, and May 2026. 

“I do not know if it is good enough, but at least we are getting somewhere in Alberta, and hopefully being able to slow it down from coming into Southern Alberta,” said Shields. 

Among other aquatic invasive species mentioned in the recommendations to establish protections against are the Prussian Carp, plants including Flowering Rush and Phragmites, as well as Whirling Disease which affects salmonid fish such as trout.

Included in the recommendations report is information regarding how species such as Zebra and Quagga mussels specifically cause detrimental impacts to invaded water bodies, to developed infrastructure, and to human activities.

The recommendation report states Alberta is currently mussel free, however it faces significant risk due to proximity to infested waters in the US, and in Central to Eastern Canada.

The full report has been made publicly available through the Province of Alberta website (https://www.alberta.ca/aquatic-invasive-species-task-force).