Aquatic invasive species (AIS) pose a serious threat to biodiversity, fish health, drinking water, irrigation, and aquatic recreation. The protection of our waters heavily relies on public reporting to expand provincial monitoring capacity for new AIS locations and new species to Alberta. Whether you are paddle boarding, canoeing, boating, fishing, swimming, or simply walking along a shoreline, you can help protect Alberta waters by keeping an eye open for AIS. The AIS Program under Alberta Environment & Protected Areas appreciates public reports of species that contribute to provincial monitoring. Even if you are not sure whether a species is native or invasive, please send us pictures and locations anyway – we are here to support identification of aquatic species.
Snap a picture next time you:
– catch a fish!
– snag a plant on a fishing line, paddle, or propellor!
– spot a shell, crayfish, or snail!
Keep your eyes open, your mind curious, and your camera ready.
You can report potential AIS in Alberta by:
– emailing pictures and locations to the AIS program at epa.ais@gov.ab.ca
– reporting by Smart phone app or website via EDDMapS or iNaturalist.
– calling the AIS hotline at 1-855-336-BOAT (2628).