Aquatic invasive species (AIS)

Healthy aquatic ecosystems are vital to the overall health of our national parks and are threatened by aquatic invasive species. Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are non-native plants, animals, and diseases. Many AIS are harmful to freshwater ecosystems. AIS reproduce fast, they rarely have natural predators and often out-compete native freshwater species.

Aquatic invasive species:

• alter aquatic ecosystems;
• cause irreversible damage;
• impact already vulnerable species at risk; and,
• are introduced by people.

Everyone can help prevent the spread of AIS in Jasper national park by following Clean Drain Dry procedures and obtaining a mandatory AIS Prevention Permit for all watercraft and water-related gear.

All users of watercraft and water related gear must:

• clean all mud, sand, plant, and animal materials from your watercraft and water-related gear;
• drain coolers, buckets, compartments, and other items that may hold water on land before leaving the waterbody;
• dry for a minimum of 48 hours after use in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, or the territories of Canada, including use in the national parks AND a minimum of 30 days after use in the United States or provinces other than British Columbia, Alberta and/or the territories of Canada.

Watercraft and water-related gear coming from outside of British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon and Northwest Territories are required to dry for 30 days and those coming from inside of British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon and Northwest Territories are required to dry for 48 hours. When entering a new waterbody within Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay national parks, watercraft and water-related gear must be dried for 48 hours. This is because certain areas carry a higher risk of specific types of aquatic invasive species and this helps to eliminate their spread.

If watercraft or water-related gear cannot meet the required drying time it cannot be used in any waterways and users should visit a Parks Canada inspection station.

If you use your watercraft and gear only in the one body of water, you do not need to clean, drain, and dry between uses. Before you move to a new body of water, you must clean, drain, dry to prevent the spread of AIS.

In 2023, Jasper National Park is operating a dedicated inspection station at the Cottonwood Creek Drive pullout on the south side of Highway 16 where it intersects with Connaught Drive.

Parks Canada staff inspect, clean, and decontaminate non-motorized and electric propelled watercraft. Permitting options, including self-certification permits, are available.

Hours:
Until July 5: Open everyday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.
July 6 to the September long weekend: Open everyday from 8:30 am to 7 pm.

Additionally, Parks Canada staff are stationed at popular waterbodies and access points to conduct roving screening and educate visitors about prevention measures and the potential impacts of aquatic invasive species.

At the inspection stations, trained Parks Canada staff will be available to provide inspections of watercraft and water-related gear for AIS or evidence of potential contamination with AIS. If watercraft and water-related gear are found to have met the Clean Drain Dry protocols and have not been in high risk AIS positive waters they will be permitted to recreate, if they do not meet the protocol the watercraft or gear may undergo a hot-wash or decontamination.

These inspections are available to all watercraft and water-related gear users in Jasper National Park for no cost.

In 2023, Jasper National Park will introduce a mandatory requirement for electric propelled watercraft to undergo the clean drain dry process before engaging in recreational activities within the park. Boats with electric motors are permitted only on Maligne, Medicine, Talbot, Pyramid, and Patricia lakes. All other watercraft types are strongly encouraged to undergo the clean drain dry process before engaging in recreational activities.

Jasper National Park collaborates with other mountain national parks to evaluate certification and inspection programs, seeking effective strategies for preventing and managing aquatic invasive species. Currently, there is no requirement for visitors to obtain an aquatic invasive species prevention permit or inspection, but they are strongly encouraged to do so.

Throughout the summer of 2023, the park will assess different permit options and the insights gained will inform the decision towards a comprehensive and sustainable permitting system. Lessons learned will guide the park's approach, including the potential implementation of mandatory certification or inspection programs.

Aquatic invasive species spread when people transfer mud, water, and live or dead organisms (such as plants and fish) between water bodies during activities like boating, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing. Motorized watercrafts pose the highest risk due to complex structures and operating systems.

Detailed inspection, and decontamination measures may be necessary to remove all organic matter.

Visitors can prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by following Clean, Drain, Dry best practices and adhering to regional and local requirements.

Parks Canada is responsible for safeguarding aquatic ecosystems in the mountain national parks. Aquatic invasive species commonly spread through human activities, emphasizing the importance of public education and adherence.

For instance, invasive mussels deplete nutrients vital for native species, including the endangered Athabasca Rainbow Trout. Nutrient depletion affects the entire food web, altering water chemistry and quality.

Additionally, aquatic invasive species significantly impact aquatic recreation. Invasive mussel shells render beaches unsuitable for swimming, while lakes overrun by invasive aquatic plants are no longer ideal for boating. Invasive fish species or fish parasites like whirling disease can reduce or eliminate native sport fish populations, limiting sport fishing opportunities within the parks and downstream areas.

Invasive mussels can also pose risks to water infrastructure, such as irrigation systems and hydroelectric dams.

Parks Canada regularly tests for invasive mussels and whirling disease. To date, Jasper National Park is currently free from whirling disease and invasive mussels.

To help with identification, Parks Canada is asking the public to report AIS sightings to: reportAIS-signalerEAE@pc.gc.ca.

When reporting, it is helpful to know:

• exact location (description to get to the exact spot, GPS coordinates, dropped point on a map, etc.);
• species and distinguishing features (if known);
• date and time of observation;
• photos or videos- high-quality photos or videos to aid in identification;
• contact information so we can reach out if we have questions.