Clean Drain Dry

Clean Drain Dry Courtesy Alberta Native Trout

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are one of the biggest threats to Alberta’s waterbodies and native aquatic species. AIS can cause huge damage to our ecosystems; including reduced biodiversity and habitat quality, large economic costs such as damaged infrastructure, and reduced recreational use. Our best defense against aquatic invasive species is prevention — which is why Alberta has been actively promoting preventive measures such as Clean Drain Dry your gear.

AIS can spread from one waterbody to another through contaminated watercraft and gear. For example, the larvae of highly invasive zebra and quagga mussels called veligers are microscopic and can survive in standing water for days. If this standing water is introduced to a new waterbody, the veligers can easily start a new infestation. Non-native plants, such as flowering rush, can also spread via contamination by small plant fragments that can establish in new areas. Making sure all watercraft and any gear that has been in contact with the water has been cleaned, drained, and dried between waterbodies is important to prevent the spread of invasive species to Alberta’s waters.

Before leaving any waterbody, be sure to follow Clean Drain Dry protocols to prevent the spread of AIS. Start by examining your watercraft and gear and remove any mud, sand, water, and plant fragments. Rinse, scrub or pressure wash your watercraft and gear over dry land away from storm drains, ditches or waterways. Drain all water from internal compartments such as bilges, bait buckets, and any other gear that may contain standing water. Make sure to Pull the Plug — all watercraft are legally required to have their drain plug removed while in transported within Alberta. Lastly, dry your watercraft and gear completely between waterbodies.

To reinforce the importance of Clean Drain Dry, Alberta began watercraft inspection stations in 2013 to further support the prevention of the spread of AIS. These stations examine watercraft for aquatic invasive species such as zebra and quagga mussels, preventing their entry into Alberta’s waterbodies.

We can all help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species — make sure to Clean Drain Dry your watercraft and gear between waterbodies! For further information, please visit the Government of Alberta website. You can report any suspect sightings of AIS through the AIS hotline at 1–855–336-BOAT (2628) or on the EDDMapS smartphone app or online.

Learn more about what you can do to stand up for Alberta’s Native Trout.