Introduction
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are non-native organisms that were brought from other places into Alberta’s water. These species cause – or have high potential to cause – harm to our environment, economy, and human health as they become established outside their natural range. Many AIS are difficult to eradicate once they are established, so prevention is essential.
Find out about aquatic invasive species and what you can do to help.
Seasonal job opportunities
The following seasonal job positions are currently available for watercraft inspection at various locations in Alberta:
67159 | AIS Watercraft Inspector
67160 | AIS Supervisor/Decontamination Technician (Rovers)
These job postings will remain open until suitable candidates are found. For more information about Government of Alberta job opportunities, see:
Jobs with the Alberta Public Service
It's the law
When highway signage indicates that a watercraft inspection station is open, it is mandatory that everyone transporting a watercraft must report to the onsite inspectors to have their boats, trailers and other water-related equipment checked for invasive species such as zebra and quagga mussels, and plants. For further information see Invasive species.
Bypassing an open inspection station while transporting a watercraft is a violation of the Fisheries (Alberta) Act and can result in a $4,200 fine. Additionally, all watercrafts must have their drain plugs pulled while being transported on Alberta highways. Failure to pull the plug may result in a $600 fine.
To review the legislation see:
- Fisheries (Alberta) Act
- Ministerial Order 30/2015 as per Section 32 (14) of Fisheries (Alberta) Act
- Fisheries (Ministerial) Regulation, subsection 6.1
- Order in Council 166/2024 as per the Provincial Offences Procedure Act
- Federal Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations
We appreciate your compliance. We are taking these steps to protect Alberta’s waters from harmful aquatic invasive species that pose great threats to native fisheries, water quality, local economies and industry.
Check out the video below to learn more about mandatory watercraft inspections.