Parks Canada promoted aquatic invasive species education at the Canada Day parade at Jasper National Park/Parks Canada

The inaugural year of Jasper National Park’s aquatic invasive species prevention program is ending with no positive detections of high-risk species, such as whirling disease or invasive mussels.

The program ran daily throughout the summer at high-traffic water bodies like Maligne, Talbot, Patricia, Pyramid, Edith and Annette. It was launched after the 2022 Jasper National Park Management Plan pledged to enhance AIS prevention initiatives and the capacity for inspecting and decontaminating watercraft and aquatic equipment.

Engaging with more than 3,000 visitors across the park, the prevention team established a robust baseline for prevention efforts and elevated public awareness through interpretive and outreach activities at Whistlers Campground outdoor theater on Parks Day and during the Canada Day parade.

A new inspection station generated valuable insight.

The team conducted monitoring activities to understand and address potential threats to aquatic ecosystems. Monthly zooplankton net tows targeted specific invasive species at five key water bodies, while artificial substrate samplers were deployed to inspect for other invasives.

Parks Canada continues to collaborate with the University of Alberta and Simon Fraser University to enhance monitoring and prevention strategies. It said that plans for 2024 will leverage insights gained in 2023.