Starting June 1, 2025, new rules apply for watercraft entering Alberta from the east and south to help keep out invasive species. Learn more about watercraft inspection rules and fines.
Join the fight against invasive species
Aquatic invasive species, such as zebra or quagga mussels, can be spread from one waterbody to another on boats or gear that have not been properly cleaned, drained and dried between uses.
Adult invasive mussels attach onto hard surfaces and can be hard to spot on a watercraft. The microscopic forms of these mussels, called veligers, can survive in standing water in a watercraft for many days. If this standing water is moved into a new waterbody, that waterbody may become infested.
Invasive plants can spread through small fragments attached to gear or a watercraft. Fish diseases, like whirling disease, can also be spread through mud and water. To prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and diseases always clean, drain, and dry all watercrafts and gear that touches the water between waterbodies.
Pull the plug – It's the law
In Alberta, it is illegal to transport watercraft with the drain plug in place. Those who fail to comply may be subject to a $600 fine.

Alberta is fighting to protect its waterways from aquatic invasive species (AIS). Watercraft users must demonstrate upon inspection that their watercraft has been drained of lower hull or bilge related water.
Fines have increased:
- from $324 to $4,200 for failing to stop with a watercraft at an open inspection station
- from $180 to $600 for failing to remove a drain plug when transporting a watercraft on a roadway
Learn more about watercraft inspections.
Prevention practice
Do your part to keep Alberta's waterways safe.
Always follow these steps to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and diseases:
Clean, drain, dry
How to avoid spreading aquatic invasive species by cleaning your boat properly.
Simple steps
Three simple steps boat owners can take to combat invasive species.
Quick facts
Spread the word
We all have a role in controlling aquatic invasive species in Alberta. Alberta’s government is running a public awareness campaign to help keep dangerous zebra mussels, quagga mussels and other invasive species out of Alberta.
Help spread the word using these resources:
Print resources
- Invasive species poster – 8.5X11
- Invasive species poster – 11X17
- Invasive species infographic poster – 11X17
- Invasive species postcard – 6X4
- Zebra and quagga mussels poster – 8.5X11
Social media resources
- Invasive species video
- Invasive species social graphic 1 – 1200X1500px
- Invasive species social graphic 2 – 1200X1500px
- Invasive species social graphic 3 – 1200X1500px
- Invasive species social graphic 4 – 1200X1500px
- Invasive species social graphic 5 – 1440X1440px