Passes needed for all boats in Alberta? Province’s idea countering invasive mussels

The provincial government is considering an annual pass for watercraft in an effort to keep invasive mussels out of Alberta.

Feedback is wanted for this idea of an annual pass for boats, jet skis, canoes, kayaks and other watercraft being used throughout the year.

Albertans have until August 25 to weigh in.

Alberta is currently free of Zebra and Quagga mussels, which can cause millions in damage, threaten water systems, damage environments and put recreational opportunities at risk.

“We look forward to getting feedback from Albertans on an annual boat pass that will be used in our efforts to prevent aquatic invasive species from wreaking havoc on our provincial waterways,” says Grant Hunter, Associate Minister of Water and Chair of the Provincial Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force.

“Albertans love the great outdoors, and we all need to work together to keep these invasive species out.”

This revenue from a watercraft pass would be used to increase invasive species defences, the province says.

The engagement provides boat owners to chime in on how much a pass should cost and how it could be applied, such as one pass per watercraft or one pass per operator.

In early 2025, Alberta implemented mandatory watercraft inspections for every boat, whether powered or paddled, entering the province from high-risk east and south borders.