Alberta relaunches task force to fight invasive mussels, $10M pledged
The province is reviving its Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force under Calgary-Lougheed MLA Eric Bouchard, building on a 2024 panel whose seven recommendations were all accepted.
Why it matters
Invasive mussels could damage Alberta's lakes, irrigation systems and water infrastructure, prompting the province to renew coordinated prevention efforts.
Alberta's government has relaunched its provincial Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force to help defend the province's waterways from threats such as invasive mussels and fish. The task force, chaired by Calgary-Lougheed MLA Eric Bouchard, will bring together government, academic and industry partners to advise the Minister of Environment and Protected Areas on strategies and priorities.
Officials say the group will focus on education, prevention, monitoring, detection and response to current and emerging threats, while also improving coordination among federal, provincial and territorial governments. Minister Grant Hunter said the task force aims to combine expertise and resources to prevent the spread of invasive species. Invasive mussels can be introduced inadvertently through boats and watercraft moving across borders, and if established, could damage ecosystems, clog water infrastructure and cost millions of dollars.
Task force members include representatives from the Alberta Wildlife Federation, Alberta Invasive Species Council, University of Alberta, Alberta Lake Management Society, Alberta Irrigation District Association and Stamp Seeds, along with a public member. The province says the first task force, launched in 2024, made seven recommendations that were all accepted and are now being implemented.
The government notes Budget 2026 invested more than $10 million toward the effort, as aquatic invasive species threats continue to grow across Canada and the United States.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.