Alberta’s government is expanding its front-line defence against aquatic invasive species with the addition of two new detection dogs to inspect watercraft entering the province. Environment and Protected Areas Minister Grant Hunter thanked the new additions for strengthening provincial efforts to keep Alberta’s waterways mussel-free. So far in 2026, Alberta’s inspection program has intercepted six watercraft carrying invasive mussels at border points. The province has expanded its efforts this year to a record 12 watercraft inspection stations. Mandatory inspections are in effect until Sept. 30 for anyone entering Alberta with a watercraft across the eastern and southern provincial borders.