It’s the Law!
The Alberta Government has recently enacted changes to legislation that will help to protect our provincial water bodies from of the infestation of aquatic invasive species. Effective immediately, when highway signage indicates that a watercraft inspection station is open, it is mandatory that all carriers of water-based vessels must report to the onsite inspectors to have their boats, trailers and other water-related equipment checked for invasive species such as the zebra and quagga mussels. It’s the law.
Bypassing an open inspection station while carrying a water-based vessel is in violation of the Fisheries Act and can result in fines to individuals of up to $100,000 or 12 months in prison, in addition to creative sentencing orders that may be issued to convicted persons at the discretion of the courts.
To review these legislation changes, visit the Legislative Assembly of Alberta website at:
Ministerial Order as per Section 32 (14) of Fisheries (Alberta) Act
Ministerial Order 30/2015– Apr 2, 2015 (3 pages, <1 MB)
We appreciate your compliance with these new changes. By working together we can help protect our water resources.
Watercraft Inspection Stations: What to Expect
Overview
Initial Assessment
Watercraft Inspection
Inspection Results
Decontamination of Watercraft
Remember, watercraft inspections are now mandatory in Alberta. All passing watercraft, including non-motorized, commercially-hauled an privately-hauled watercraft, MUST stop every time, regardless of where you are coming from or going to. It’s the law!
We are taking these steps to protect Alberta waters from harmful aquatic invasive species that pose great threats to native fisheries, water quality, local economies, and industry.
Sniffer Dogs
During the predicted high volume times, the Watercraft Inspectors will employ the use of sniffer dogs. More information on that program can be found below.
Sniffer dogs lend a nose to mandatory boat inspections
Alberta’s fight against zebra and quagga mussels will have a few more paws on the ground thanks to the addition of a full-time crew of canine inspectors.
Contact
If you have questions about the Fisheries Act legislation changes, watercraft inspections or aquatic invasive species please call: Tel: 1 855 336-BOAT(2628)