Overview
The Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force will work with partners to discuss critical topics and provide advice on the future scope and priorities for the aquatic invasive species program. It will identify shared priorities and opportunities to strengthen coordination across federal, provincial and territorial governments and recommend actions to better protect Alberta.
Alberta is currently free of invasive mussels. However, if introduced these kinds of aquatic invasive species could spread rapidly, clog waterways, upset lakes and other ecosystems, and cost millions of dollars in damages to irrigation infrastructure.
Mandate
The task force will:
- engage with key stakeholders to ensure that the provincial program is robust and positioned to deal with present and future challenges
- collaborate to assist with implementation of the aquatic invasive species monitoring and prevention program, including exploring and securing funding solutions and partnerships
- review and endorse the annual operational plans for aquatic invasive species program delivery in a collaborative model
- provide strategic oversight on the implementation and long-term sustainability of aquatic invasive species initiatives
- identify future priorities and opportunities to strengthen Alberta’s aquatic invasive species program
- enhance collaboration and alignment among federal, provincial and territorial partners
- support Alberta’s advocacy for the tools, funding, and regulatory frameworks needed to prevent and respond to aquatic invasive species threats
- provide actionable recommendations for consideration and implementation to enhance Alberta's invasive mussel defense strategies
Task force members
- Eric Bouchard, Provincial Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force Chair and and MLA for Calgary-Lougheed
- Kelly Carter, chief executive officer, Alberta Wildlife Federation
- Megan Evans, executive director, Alberta Invasive Species Council
- Dr. 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
- Richard Stamp, president, Stamp Seeds
- Martin Shields, public member
Resources
- Letter from Alberta’s Environment Minister calling for increased federal action
- Provincial Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force Recommendation Report
News
- Next round in the fight against invasive species (August 20, 2026)
- Fighting the spread of aquatic invasive species (December 18, 2024)
- New task force to stop invasive mussels at the border (May 15, 2024)
- Keeping Alberta Invasive Mussel Free (March 28, 2024)
Contact
Connect with the Aquatic Invasive Species Hotline if you have questions about the Fisheries (Alberta) Act legislation changes, watercraft inspections or aquatic invasive species:
Phone: 1-855-336-BOAT (2628)
Email: [email protected]