Controlling and Enforcing the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (Quagga and Zebra Mussels)

Aquatic Invasive Species include dreissenid mussels (both Zebra Mussels and Quagga Mussels), which are non-native species that are native to Eastern Europe.  It is thought that they were introduced into North America on ocean ships through the St. Lawrence Seaway.  They are spreading throughout parts of the United States and eastern Canada with Zebra Mussels found in Lake Winnipeg in October 2013. Over the past few years, concerns have been raised in relation to the irreparable damage that may be caused to Alberta’s water bodies if aquatic invasive species such as Zebra Mussels or Quagga Mussels were to infiltrate these water bodies.  These aquatic invasive species can be transferred from other water bodies on boats that have travelled in water bodies that are already infested.

These mussels filter organisms out of water, altering the food chain and in turn threatening existing native species. They also cling on to any solid object, accumulating to the point that they clog up municipal water intake pipes and irrigation infrastructure. If introduced into Alberta it is estimated that the financial impact to mitigate damages will be $75 million annually including $20,839,921 to drinking water systems.

These mussels are listed as prohibited species in the Fisheries (Alberta) Act but diligence in enforcement is lacking. When inspection stations have been set up, the requirement for the inspections is voluntary with many Canadians opting not to have their boats inspected. On the other hand, Americans at Alberta inspection stops are more likely to agree to the inspections as they are mandatory in some states. In fact, inspections in the United States in 2013 alerted the province that seven boats contaminated with the mussels were headed for lakes in Alberta. 

Alberta tested for the mussels in some water bodies in 2013 and have carried out pilot boat inspections at certain border locations. They intend to continue with this program in 2014. This is not enough, however, as inspections are voluntary as noted earlier. A more diligent approach backed by strong legislation is required along with funding for 76 inspection stations.

Currently in Alberta, the enforcement of AIS falls into two categories based on the two Acts associated with AIS:

1. The Weed Control Act provides provincial and municipal Weed Inspectors the authority over listed species in the Weed Control Act – which includes riparian invasive species.
2.  The Fisheries (Alberta) Act Ministerial Order acknowledges Zebra and Quagga Mussels as species of concern based on ecological threat and provides authority for Fishery Officers to stop suspect vehicles, perform inspections, issue decontamination orders and, if necessary, quarantine fouled vessels.  At this time, only appointed Fishery Officers are able to enforce this (Fish & Wildlife Officers, Conservation Officers, RCMP). In addition, Transport Officers have recently been appointed to enforce the Ministerial Order as inspection stations are located at Commercial Vehicle Scales where Transport Officers are usually present.

Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD) representatives are working to develop an AIS program that will contain elements for monitoring, rapid response, inspections, education and outreach, and policy and legislation. Funding education campaigns is important in preventing these mussels from entering Alberta. Boaters need to be aware of the risks that these mussels pose and the steps that they can take to ensure they are not contaminating our lakes.

Spending money on these precautionary methods is much cheaper on an annual basis than having to enter the mitigation phase, and with these mussels already in Manitoba the province must act now.  Support from municipalities by way of the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties would encourage provincial representatives to favorably consider the proposed legislative amendments that will result from the development of this program.