Mandatory Watercraft Inspections
With increased water activity during the summer months, Alberta is strengthening its defenses against aquatic invasive species by requiring all watercraft entering from the east or south to undergo mandatory inspections between June 1 and September 30, 2025. A new proof-of-inspection sticker will help identify compliant watercraft and support efforts to keep Alberta's waters free of destructive invasive mussels.
Mandatory Watercraft Inspection Update
Mandatory Watercraft Inspections Update
With the warmer weather, more Albertans and visitors are enjoying the water, increasing the
risk of aquatic invasive species (AIS) being introduced into Alberta waters. While the province is
currently free of invasive mussels, reports of zebra and quagga mussels are getting closer to our
eastern and southern provincial borders. If they spread into Alberta, they could devastate
waterbodies, ecosystems and infrastructure.
To help protect Alberta’s border from AIS, Environment and Protected Areas announced new
changes on Friday, May 16, 2025. See Government news for announcement information.
From June 1 until September 30, 2025, it is now mandatory for all motorized and non-
motorized watercraft to be inspected at one of Alberta’s watercraft inspection stations when
crossing from the eastern or southern provincial borders. If the closest watercraft inspection
station is closed while passing it, anyone traveling with a watercraft must get it inspected
within seven days and before launching into Alberta’s waters.
It remains mandatory for anyone travelling with a watercraft to stop when passing an open
inspection station regardless of which border they have entered through and while travelling
within Alberta. More information on the location and hours of the inspection stations is posted
on our website and through Alberta 511.
To support these changes, Alberta is launching a new proof-of-inspection sticker. This sticker
will help to quickly identify watercraft that have had an inspection. Inspectors will provide a
sticker to display once a watercraft has been inspected and the sticker will typically be placed
on the lefthand side of the watercraft near stern (rear) and above the waterline.
Whether it is a paddleboard or a powerboat, failing to stop for a mandatory watercraft
inspection could result in a $4,200 fine.
To learn more about the inspection process, visit Alberta 511 to see where the inspection
stations are located, share social media posts or digital resources. Please visit our website and
help to protect Alberta’s waters from these tiny invaders.
We appreciate your support with this upcoming change and your efforts to defend Alberta from
invasive mussel species. If you have interactions with the public and notice questions that we
may not have captured, please also let us know at epa.watercraft@gov.ab.ca.
Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program