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Part of Boating

Clean, drain, dry your gear

Help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and diseases.

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Boating

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.

Watercraft being inspected for aquatic invasive species contamination at the Mulhurst Bay Inspection Station at Pigeon Lake, Alberta.

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.

  • Clean

    • Inspect and clean all watercraft, trailer and gear after every adventure.
      • Remove all mud, sand, water and plant traces before leaving the shoreline.
    • Rinse, scrub or pressure wash your boat, kayak or canoe and gear on dry land away from storm water drains, ditches or waterways. Do not use a local carwash – if invasive species are present, you could unknowingly introduce them as the water from the carwash is released into the environment.

  • Drain

    • On land, before leaving the waterbody, drain all water from:
      • internal compartments (for example: ballasts, bilges and livewells)
      • bait buckets
      • coolers
      • life jackets and other gear
    • Raise and lower outboard engines several times to ensure all water has drained out.
    • Drain non-motorized watercraft by inverting or tilting the watercraft, opening compartments and removing seats if necessary.

  • Dry

    • Dry the watercraft and gear completely between trips and allow the wet areas of your boat to air dry.
    • Leave compartments open and sponge out standing water.

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

Social media resources

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