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Invasive species are a global problem, wreaking havoc on native ecosystems and in damage annually. Once established, they are often impossible to eradicate, making prevention crucial. Because they do not abide by jurisdictional boundaries or international/state borders, collaboration is critical.
A major victory in this international fight against aquatic invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species occurred in August 2025! Watercraft inspectors intercepted an invasive mussel-fouled boat, leading to coordination at multiple border crossings. The collaborative effort between the boat鈥檚 owner, a Canadian provincial ministry, a U.S. federal agency, and a State of Alaska agency prevented a potential introduction of one of North America鈥檚 most damaging invasive species鈥�Dreissenid mussels鈥� to Alaska.
The Problem
Dreissenid mussels, including zebra (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis), are freshwater mollusks native to Eastern Europe. First detected in the Great Lakes in the 1980s鈥攍ikely introduced via shipping vessel ballast water鈥攖hey have since . Though Dreissenid mussels have not been detected in Alaska yet, they are advancing west and north. It would only take one mussel-fouled boat to spark an infestation.
Dreissenid mussels pose a major threat to freshwater ecosystems, infrastructure, and economies due to their rapid reproduction and filter-feeding capabilities which cause cascading ecological effects. They also cause irreparable damage to drinking water systems and hydropower facilities. Unlike native North American freshwater mussels, invasive Dreissenid mussels produce byssal threads鈥攕ticky filaments that allow them to attach to surfaces like boats, docks, and dams. These threads increase the risk of overland transport on watercraft, facilitating their spread to new water bodies.
The Solution
To prevent the spread, a network of watercraft inspection and decontamination (WID) stations has been established . Inspections involve a physical examination of the watercraft and a comprehensive review of its history.鈥疘nspectors will ask, 鈥�When and where did you last have the boat in the water? Have you stopped at another WID? Where are you planning on boating next?鈥� Based on the answers and physical inspection, inspectors assign a potential risk level for鈥�aquatic invasive species鈥�(e.g., zebra or quagga mussels, aquatic plants) to the watercraft.鈥�
The Victory
The boat, a 24-foot Bayliner cabin cruiser, was traveling from New York to the owner鈥檚 home in Alaska. When the vessel crossed into Alberta, Canada, it underwent inspection at the Vermillion WID station. Inspectors discovered suspected Dreissenid mussels attached to the hull and motor. Inspectors decontaminated visibly encrusted areas of the boat with hot water, killing any potential live invasive mussels. They removed invasive mussel shells and byssal threads attached to the boat exterior, issued a Quarantine/Decontamination Order, and applied a seal to the boat and trailer. A WID seal is a tamper-proof tag on a piece of wire to fix the boat to the trailer. Removing the boat from the trailer will cause the wire to break. This is a standard method applied at a WID station which quickly indicates to other WID stations that the watercraft has not launched since the last inspection.
Acknowledging Alaska as the intended destination, Alberta Environment & Protected Areas sent notice of the invasive mussel-fouled boat to Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G).
Ahead of its arrival, ADF&G alerted WID inspectors at the Alaska-Canada Highway Land Port of Entry, Alaska鈥檚 only WID station. This station is operated by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), in partnership with ADF&G and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Upon the boat鈥檚 arrival to Alaska-Canada border, USFWS inspected the boat and noted the intact seal from Alberta Environment & Protected Areas.
Throughout the process, the boat owner was cooperative and helpful to the numerous aquatic invasive species programs staff. Recognizing the risk invasive mussels pose, the owner wanted to do everything possible to prevent potential introduction to Alaska. Upon arriving home, the owner thoroughly cleaned the boat. The last step in the process was a close-out inspection from a local ADF&G Invasive Species Biologist, who cleared the boat for launch in Alaska.
Cross-border Coordination
This is a powerful reminder that the invasion front is advancing north, and that it would only take one mussel-fouled boat to infest Alaska. The cooperative effort by Alberta Environment & Protected Areas, Alaska Department of Fish & Game, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service demonstrates that these agencies are bound beyond borders in the collective mission to protect North America鈥檚 waters from the devastating impacts of invasive species.
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You can be part of the solution and everyday victories.
- CLEAN off all plants, animals, mud, and debris from watercrafts and equipment before leaving waterbody.
- DRAIN all water from watercrafts, live wells, motors, and equipment before leaving waterbody.
- DRY everything in the sun for at least 5 days or wipe with towels before entering a new waterbody.
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