Protecting Our Waters

Working Together to Prevent Aquatic Invasive Species:
Canadian Columbia Basin Regional Aquatic Invasive Species Program

What’s the Program?

The Columbia Basin Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program is the result of a collaborative effort between many different partners and is based on these five action areas:

Why are we doing this?

Aquatic Invasive Species are nonindigenous species that impact, or have the potential to impact, the ecology, economy, and social opportunities of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about AIS and to view profiles of species like the zebra mussel or yellow flag iris click here.

: Zebra and Quagga Mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and Dresissena bugenis)

: Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus)

Who’s on the team?

Multiple agencies, including government, non-government, First Nations and industry have joined forces within the Canadian Columbia Basin, in order to prevent and manage aquatic invasive species.

The Columbia Basin AIS Team is comprised of:

What do we do?

The primary focus of this program is to prevent the introduction and establishment of AIS as well as to enhance coordination, response, and management. The complete program framework titled Canadian Columbia Basin Regional Framework for an Aquatic Invasive Species Program: 2015 to 2020 can be accessed here. See the Program’s Progress Report (2019) here.

Watercraft Inspection Stations

In 2015, several permanent watercraft inspection stations were strategically placed along the B.C. – Alberta border and along the B.C. – United States border. Auxiliary conservation officers check, and if necessary, decontaminate mussel infested boats, 7 days a week from April to October.

It is mandatory for all watercraft to stop at road side inspection stations. Watercraft includes sailboats, motorboats, car toppers, kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards being transported in B.C.

To find out more about these stations click here.