Aquatic invasive species information

The parasite that causes whirling disease has a complex life cycle involving a worm host (Tubifex tubifex). The parasite lives in the worm host for a period before leaving the worm and free-swimming in the water column where it can then encounter and infect fish.  Whirling disease can be spread by moving infected live fish or fish parts from one location to another. It can spread through contaminated water droplets, sand, silt, ballasts, and all water equipment. It may be extremely difficult to clear infectious material from watercraft and fishing gear.

Diagnosing whirling disease requires laboratory testing of fish or water samples. Not all infected fish show signs of disease. It is also possible for fish to have signs consistent with whirling disease that are due to other causes.

In addition to the 2023 detection in the Belly River here in Waterton, whirling disease has also been detected in Yoho National Park. Finding the disease in Yoho is the first instance of whirling disease both in British Columbia and in a Pacific-draining watershed. 

The parasite that causes whirling disease does not affect humans or animals other than salmonid fish, such as trout. There is no risk associated with swimming or eating fish caught from infected waters.

Microscopic larvae (called veligers) float and follow water currents until settling on a solid surface. They can easily affect waterways downstream and connected to an invaded area.

Zebra and quagga mussels can survive out of water for up to several weeks in high humidity. Mussels and other aquatic invasive species can inadvertently be moved by attaching to boats, equipment, and trailers. Standing or trapped water in boats may contain its microscopic larva. Once in a watershed, transmission downstream is inevitable.

To date, invasive mussels have not been detected in Waterton Lakes National Park. Parks Canada regularly tests for invasive mussels. This includes microscopic plankton tows, visual shoreline checks and the deployment of artificial substrate samplers which are checked regularly for adult mussel growth. Active environmental DNA monitoring for is also conducted for invasive mussel veligers.

Invasive mussels are found in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and 34 U.S. states, including Idaho. In 2023, invasive mussels were detected in Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba. 

Invasive mussels are a serious and permanent threat to park waters. The Waterton Lakes chain is home to the threatened bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus), and are the only known lakes with lake trout, pygmy whitefish (Prosopium coulteri), opossum shrimp (Mysis diluviana), and deepwater sculpin (Myoxocephalus thompsonii) naturally co-occurring. 

The pygmy whitefish in the Waterton Lakes chain are considered a unique population and designated as Special Concern by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Upper Waterton Lake is also the only known location of deepwater sculpin in Alberta. 

The headwaters of the South Saskatchewan River Basin are in Waterton Lakes National Park. An infestation could threaten irrigation networks for southern Alberta’s agricultural industry, water infrastructure for numerous jurisdictions including the cities of Lethbridge and Medicine Hat, and other recreational areas. 

Prevention is critical. It is important to follow all regulations regarding prohibited watercraft, both motorized and human-powered. For water toys, fishing and scuba gear, always clean, drain, dry and certify.

Parks Canada protects aquatic ecosystems by monitoring, public education, and implementing programs for all types of watercraft and equipment. Staff, researchers, and contractors must follow strict decontamination rules for gear when working in park waters.

Parks Canada is collaborating closely with the U.S. National Park Service and Alberta Environment and Protected Areas to monitor for aquatic invasive species. 

Parks Canada is collaborating closely with the U.S. National Park Service in Glacier National Park to monitor for invasive species. The park service has implemented mandatory inspections and other measures for watercraft. 

Report all sightings of aquatic invasive species by contacting wlfuaisprevention-eaiprevention@pc.gc.ca. Include information on the date, time, and location of your observation, a description of the species (e.g. color, shape, behavior), and any photos taken.