Several lakes and rivers in mountain national parks across Alberta are being closed to watercraft due to the increasing threat of aquatic invasive species (AIS). This development has sparked a call for a more cooperative approach to tackle the issue from some paddlers.
Beginning this spring, water bodies in Jasper National Park, as well as in Banff, Yoho, Kootenay, and Waterton Lakes, will be divided into three zones, each with distinct regulations for water activities. While certain popular locations remain open for paddlers, the restrictions primarily impact the backcountry.
Expressing discontent with the new measures, Andrew Loughlin, a seasoned whitewater enthusiast based in Jasper for over two decades, described the restrictions as disheartening in a letter he sent to Parks Canada. He emphasized the significance of accessing unique areas within the park solely by boat, lamenting the limitation now imposed.
Loughlin estimated that over 75% of navigable waterways in Jasper are now inaccessible due to the new restrictions.
Discovery of Whirling Disease in Lake Louise
The recent confirmation of whirling disease in Lake Louise has led to these decisions. Parks Canada attributed the presence of the disease, which causes skeletal abnormalities in young fish species like salmon, whitefish, and trout, to human activities on the lake. The disease, also found in Banff and Yoho, can lead to the death of up to 90% of young fish populations.
Initially detected in British Columbia in 2024, whirling disease spread to the Kootenay River watershed but has not been detected in Kootenay National Park.
At Jasper National Park’s annual forum earlier this month, Dave Argument, a resource conservation manager at Parks Canada, stressed the importance of immediate action to prevent further spread of the disease. He highlighted the challenges of eradicating invasive species once introduced, emphasizing the downstream spread potential.
Parks Canada indicates on its website that AIS are commonly transmitted through watercraft and fishing gear transferred between water bodies.
Argument emphasized that imposing these restrictions was not a decision taken lightly by Parks Canada. He stated that each watershed underwent a thorough evaluation to determine the optimal approach for safeguarding aquatic ecosystems while permitting safe recreational activities.
Open and Closed Areas
Though the main stem of the Athabasca River remains accessible for recreation, the tributaries feeding into it, specifically the more challenging backcountry routes with Class 4 and Class 5 rapids, are largely off-limits to watercraft, fishing waders, and windsports.
Some rivers will remain open to paddlers as they are situated downstream of natural barriers such as waterfalls, which help prevent the upstream movement of AIS.
Within the water recreation zone, scuba diving is permitted, but solely through licensed commercial operators, according to Parks Canada.
Segments of the Athabasca River, Chaba River, and Sunwapta River fall under the “special tactics zone,” limiting activities to fishing with waders only.
Even in restricted zones, swimming, beach toys, snork