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 non-indigenous 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 click here.
Who’s on the Team?
- Ktunaxa Nation Council
- Invasive Species Council of British Columbia
- Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resources Operations and Rural Development
- Ministry of Environment
- BC Hydro
- Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program
- Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society
- East Kootenay Invasive Species Council
- Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society
- Northwest Invasive Plant Council
- Columbia Basin Watershed Network
- FortisBC
- Columbia Power
- Parks Canada
- BC Parks
- Columbia Shuswap Regional District
- Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
- Washington Invasive Species Council
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Okanagan Nation Alliance
What do we do?

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 BC.
To find out more about these stations click here.
How can YOU help?
Don’t Let It Loose Clean, Drain, Dry
Download the new Clean Drain Dry App
Where are the Aquatic Invasive Species?
BC
- Columbia Basin Aquatic Invasive Species Priority List
- Aquatic and Riparian Plants: Forests, Lands and Natural Resources Operations (FLNRO)
- Algae, Amphibian, Fish, Invertebrate, Reptile
Alberta
USA
All species: Early Detection & Distribution Mapping Systems
All species: U.S Geological Survey
Invasive Mussel Monitoring: Aquatic Invasive Species Network