Alberta has enlisted the help of specially trained dogs to safeguard its waters from invasive mussels, a persistent threat that has plagued the Great Lakes and other Canadian waterways since the 1980s. With the recent establishment of golden mussels in California, authorities are ramping up their efforts to prevent these aquatic invaders from infiltrating the province. The initiative, part of Alberta’s Aquatic Invasive Species Operations and Conservation Canine Programme, employs the keen sense of smell of three dogs—Hilo, Jane, and Winnie—to inspect boats entering Alberta.
A Growing Threat
Cindy Sawchuk, who leads the province’s invasive species programme, underscores the urgency of the situation. “These mussels really like to hide in damp, dark places, and a lot of them are hard to see,” she explained. The canines focus on detecting golden, zebra, and quagga mussels—species native to Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia.
Invasive mussels are notorious for their ability to disrupt ecosystems by consuming vast amounts of food resources, which can lead to a decline in larger fish populations in Alberta’s lakes. Fortunately, the province has managed to keep these destructive species at bay so far, thanks in part to diligent inspections that began in 2013.
How Canines Enhance Inspections
The canine unit was introduced two years after the inspection programme commenced. Currently, there are 11 inspection stations across Alberta where trained personnel inspect boats for potential threats. While human inspectors examine boats visually and tactilely for the telltale roughness of mussels, the dogs utilise their exceptional olfactory capabilities to sniff out the invasive species.
When the dogs successfully identify the scent of mussels, they are rewarded with a special toy—a crucial aspect of their training that motivates them to keep searching. Sawchuk describes the excitement these dogs exhibit during searches, noting, “It builds up that dopamine when they’re searching like, ‘Could we find something, could it be here?’ And then you know after that it’s really just a game for them.”
To ensure the dogs remain sharp, trainers often hide mussels on boats during practice sessions, allowing the canines to earn their rewards.
Meet the Canine Team
Hilo, the most experienced of the trio, is affectionately known as “The Professor” for his methodical searching style. He previously worked at a guide dog school in California before joining the fight against invasive species. His companions, Winnie and Jane, are newer members of the team, with Winnie being a rescue from a shelter and Jane hailing from Mexico. The fourth canine, Diesel, now enjoys retirement in a supervisory position.
Ms. Sawchuk highlights the rarity of dogs suited for this demanding job, noting that fewer than one in 1,000 possess the drive and energy required. Once trained, these canines can inspect not only boats but also shorelines, beaches, and docks. Hilo has even shown his skills by locating mussels hidden among tall reeds during training in Texas. The bond between Sawchuk and Hilo is palpable; she considers him family, reinforcing the importance of trust and companionship in their work.
Why it Matters
The battle against invasive mussels is not just about preserving Alberta’s aquatic environment; it is a crucial effort to maintain the province’s biodiversity and protect its fishing industries. As the threat of these invasive species looms larger with their spread across North America, the proactive measures being taken by Alberta—including the innovative use of conservation canines—demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding natural resources for future generations. The vigilance of these four-legged inspectors serves as a powerful reminder of the intricate relationships between wildlife, ecosystems, and human intervention in the effort to protect the environment.