Sniffer dogs keeping invasive mussels at bay

Hilo, Seuss, and Diesel have certainly been doing their part in keeping zebra and quagga mussels out of Alberta's waterways. For the past three years, the three hounds have been working tirelessly as part of the provincial Aquatic Invasive Species K-9 program where they are trained to sniff out the invasive mussels, as well as other flora and fauna that could have disastrous effects on our lakes, reservoirs, and irrigation systems.

Cindy Sawchuk is the K9 program lead of the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program that operates under Alberta Environment and Parks. The AIS program is in its sixth season while the K9 program started about three years later.

While Alberta waterways have so far escaped a mussel invasion, they have been found in Canadian waters since the 1980s.

"Six years ago, we started taking lake samples and we can confidently say all have come back negative. The program is working," said Sawchuk. "The dogs started three or four years ago as a pilot project. Dogs for Conservation looks at possible projects all over the world and we knew dogs could already be used for similar projects," said Sawchuk. "The pilot was a success and were able to show that the dogs could detect invasive mussels extremely accurately."

A program was started soon thereafter in Alberta with the dogs being trained at Dogs for Conservation, an organization based in Montana. Training of the dogs typically takes several months. The Alberta program follows the protocols of the Pacific States Marine Commission.

The Alberta watercraft inspection program, which now includes the K9 program, is in its sixth season is mandatory for anybody taking to Alberta's water with a boat, canoe, kayak, jet ski, or other watercraft or transporting them through the province. Alberta monitors more than 70 lakes and reservoirs and holds province-wide watercraft inspections at 11 locations considered high risk (major entry points and highly trafficked recreational lakes). Seventy staff members are taking part in the program throughout the province.

"These invasive mussels like to attach to hard surfaces. They can live up to 30 days outside of water, so you could go to a lot of places with your boat in 30 days," she said.

Last year, 19 boats were detected with invasive mussels, and Sawchuk said the program has thus far, stopped six from potentially contaminating a lake or reservoir. One mussel has been found during a night inspection. The inspection site at the Dunmore Weigh Station has been open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, since March.

"If you come to the station and your boat isn't clean, it will cost you some time," she said.

Not stopping at an inspection station with your boat, however, could result in a $310 ticket and transporting your watercraft with the drain plug in place could set you back $172.

"Clean, Drain, and Dry" and "Pull the Plug" are two reminders for people to properly tend to their watercraft immediately after leaving the water.

"Clean, drain, and dry as soon as your boat leaves the water body," said Sawchuk. This includes removing plant material and mud, draining all water, and letting it dry out.

Should invasive mussels get into Alberta's reservoirs and irrigation system, the effects could be more than a little costly. All irrigation districts in the province are assisting in funding the AIS program.

"It is entirely paid for by the eight irrigation districts," said Sawchuk. "We have 8,000 kilometres of pipes and canals and if mussels were to be introduced, it would be devastating. We're working hard to make sure that does not happen."

Water infrastructure that could be impacted by aquatic invasive species includes intake pipes, irrigation lines, and dam operations, as well as hydro facilities, urban water delivery systems, and irrigation programs; all valued at $14 billion. The province estimates that should the mussels enter Alberta's water system, it could cost over $75 million a year.

A hotline has been established for further information or to report suspicious activity. The Aquatic Invasive Species hotline is 1-855-336-BOAT (2628).

One of the trained dogs and its handler check for invasive mussels.

Photos contributed Well-trained dogs are in their third year of checking watercraft for aquatic invasive species, such as the zebra and quagga mussels. HIlo, Seuss, and Diesel were trained at Dogs for Conservation in Montana for Alberta Aquatic Invasive S

Alberta Environment and Parks Aquatic Invasive Species lead for the K9 program Cindy Sawchuk took this photo of a string of Christmas lights that a boat pulled out of the water after being submerged for one summer at Lake Winnipeg.

Hilo is well- trained to sniff out invasive mussels from watercraft.