Alberta adds two detection dogs to hold back invasive mussels

ALBERTAFARMER — Alberta has recently been taking further precautions to keep zebra mussels out of the province’s waterways.

After zebra mussels were found on a boat during a watercraft inspection on the Manitoba-Ontario border in June and zebra mussel larvae were detected in the Lake of the Prairies on the Saskatchewan-Manitoba border in July, Prairie provinces are stepping up their fight against the invasive species.

Why irrigators are watching closely

Saskatchewan and Manitoba, along with support from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, have activated their aquatic invasive species response plans, requiring all watercraft and equipment leaving the lake to undergo decontamination to prevent further spread.

Alberta has recently bolstered its Conservation K-9 program, which is part of the province’s Aquatic Invasive Species program, with the addition of two new detection dogs, which will work alongside their human watercraft inspection partners at inspection stations in Alberta.

The province welcomed Jane and Winnie, who will help veteran detection dog Hilo in helping keep Alberta free of invasive mussels.

Conservation K-9s use their highly trained sense of smell to detect mussels in hard-to-see areas of boats and shorelines, helping stop them before they reach Alberta’s waters.

Alberta’s Conservation K-9 teams underwent extensive training in the United States over the last few months, where they learned to identify all three known species of invasive fresh-water mussels present in North America.

Dogs trained on all three invasive mussel species

“The best way to stop invasive mussels is to prevent them from arriving in the first place. These conservation dogs are another tool helping Alberta protect our lakes, rivers, and water infrastructure before irreversible damage occurs,” said Megan Evans, executive director of Alberta Invasive Species Council, in a Government of Alberta press release.

Native mussels act as healthy filters for ecosystems, but invasive species like zebra, quagga and golden mussels can cause biological and economic disasters, including killing native species, disrupting fish spawning, triggering toxic algal blooms and altering aquatic food webs. They clog critical water infrastructure and stress maritime equipment on the water.

It is estimated the annual economic cost of invasive mussel species to Alberta would be $75.5 million if they were to become established in the province’s waterways.

A single watercraft carrying invasive mussels can put an entire water body at risk, further highlighting the need for early detection and prevention.

“The Conservation K-9 Program plays a critical role in safeguarding Alberta’s lakes, reservoirs and irrigation systems from invasive zebra, quagga, and golden mussels,” said Margo Jarvis Redelback, executive director of Alberta Irrigation Districts Association.

Conservation K-9s are a preventive invasive mussel tool alongside 12 watercraft inspection stations operating in the province.

Fines, inspection windows and border rules

All motorized and non-motorized watercraft entering Alberta are required to undergo inspection, with some of the highest penalties in North America helping reinforce compliance. Those penalties include a $4,200 fine for failing to stop at an open inspection station and a $600 fine for failing to remove a drain plug when transporting a watercraft within Alberta.

So far in 2026, Alberta has intercepted six watercraft carrying invasive mussels attempting to enter Alberta.

Alberta watercraft inspection: key numbers

Six watercraft carrying invasive mussels intercepted in 2026 so far
$75.5 million estimated annual economic cost if mussels establish in Alberta
$4,200 fine for failing to stop at an open inspection station
$600 fine for failing to remove a drain plug while transporting a watercraft
12 watercraft inspection stations operating provincewide
Mandatory inspections: May 1 to Sept. 30 on eastern and southern borders

From May 1 until Sept. 30, mandatory inspections are in effect for anyone entering Alberta with watercraft across the eastern and southern provincial borders. If the closest inspection station is closed, Albertans and visitors must get their watercraft inspected within seven days and before launching into Alberta’s waters.