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Watercraft Inspection (Image Credit: Government of Alberta)
By rdnewsNOW Staff
Environment

Alberta launches next round in fight against invasive species

Aug 20, 2026 | 4:01 PM

Alberta’s government says it is relaunching a task force to defend the province from aquatic invasive species, including invasive mussels and fish.

The re-established provincial task force will be led by Eric Bouchard, MLA for Calgary-Lougheed, and will bring together partners to strengthen Alberta’s approach to aquatic invasive species.

According to the government, the task force will provide actionable recommendations to the Minister of Environment and Protected Areas on the province’s aquatic invasive species (AIS) strategies and priorities.

“Our waterways face growing threats from aquatic invasive species,” warns Grant Hunter, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas. “We are relaunching a task force to build on previous work, combine expertise and resources, prevent invasive species spread and safeguard our water bodies for generations.”

Officials say the task force will foster collaboration among partner organizations and provincial programs on education and awareness, prevention, monitoring, detection, and response and management of current and emerging threats.

It’s also expected to identify shared priorities, strengthen coordination among federal, provincial and territorial governments, and recommend actions to better protect Alberta’s waterways.

“Protecting Alberta’s lakes and waterways from aquatic invasive species requires strong partnerships and a shared commitment to prevention,” states Eric Bouchard, task force chair, MLA for Calgary-Lougheed. “This task force will strengthen our provincial program, advance long-term solutions and ensure Alberta remains prepared.”

The government says invasive mussels and other aquatic invasive species can be easily and inadvertently introduced through the movement of boats and other watercraft across borders. If established in Alberta, officials warn they could spread rapidly, damage aquatic ecosystems, clog water infrastructure and result in millions of dollars in costs.

“Aquatic invasive species represent one of the most pressing threats to the health of Alberta’s lakes,” exclaims Bradley Peter, executive director, Alberta Lake Management Society. “A renewed and collaborative task force is an important step toward strengthening education, prevention, early detection and decontamination across the province.”

“Aquatic invasive species can have serious and lasting impacts on our waters, ecosystems and communities, and keeping invasive mussels out of Alberta remains a critical priority,” says Megan Evans, executive director, Alberta Invasive Species Council. “This task force is an opportunity to build on Alberta’s prevention efforts, address emerging threats and strengthen our collective ability to protect our waters.”

With aquatic invasive species threats increasing across Canada and the United States, the government says Alberta is relaunching the provincial Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force to build on previous work and strengthen prevention and response efforts. The revived task force aims to help establish long-term priorities and support sustainable action to protect Alberta’s waterways for generations to come.

Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force members:

  • Eric Bouchard, chair and MLA for Calgary-Lougheed
  • Kelly Carter, chief executive officer, Alberta Wildlife Federation
  • Megan Evans, executive director, Alberta Invasive Species Council
  • Patrick Hanington, associate professor, Environmental Health Sciences, University of Alberta
  • Bradley Peter, executive director, Alberta Lake Management Society
  • Richard Phillips, chair, Alberta Irrigation District Association
  • Martin Shields, public member
  • Richard Stamp, president, Stamp Seeds

Alberta government quick facts:

  • The first provincial Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force launched in 2024 to identify ways to strengthen inspection, detection and education efforts. It made seven recommendations to keep Alberta free of invasive mussels, all of which were accepted and are now being implemented.
  • Budget 2026 invested more than $10 million in AIS prevention.
    • This includes annual operating expenses of $5.4 million for the AIS Program, including:
      • Twelve watercraft inspection stations, up from 11 in 2025: $4.6 million
      • Two decontamination stations in Lethbridge and Edmonton: $275,000
      • Three Conservation K-9 teams: $525,000
  • Alberta waters remain free of invasive mussels.
    • So far in 2026, Alberta has intercepted eight watercraft carrying invasive mussels.
    • In 2025, 21,995 boats were inspected, over 8,495 more than during 2024. 
    • Thirteen watercraft carrying invasive mussels were detected in Alberta in 2025
    • Contaminated watercraft all entered from the eastern provinces in Canada, or the United States.

by rdnewsNOW Staff