Zebra mussels found on boat from U.S. at Alberta border

Agents at the Coutts border crossing between Montana and Alberta have intercepted another watercraft with a zebra mussel infestation.

• 2 boats with zebra mussels intercepted at Alberta border

The mussels were discovered on a boat at the border crossing vehicle inspection station on Dec.10. The boat was en route from Michigan to Alaska.

The fingernail-sized freshwater molluscs get attached to boats and canchoke out native species and clog water intake pipes and machinery once they get established.

Alberta's department ofEnvironment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD) says a zebra mussel infestation in the province's waterways could cost $75 million annually.

"This is a timely reminder that anyone who transports watercraft must ensure their boats are clean and free of stowaway mussels prior to travel," said Kyle Fawcett, the minister in charge of ESRD, in a release."Alberta will remain vigilant but requires public help to keep our province free of invasive mussels.

The province's monitoring program hasexamined over 3,600 watercraft at border crossings and boat launches in 2014 and has found three cases of zebra mussel infestation.