Mélissa Gélinas LJI Reporter

To combat the spread of aquatic invasive alien species, Benoit Charette, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change, Wildlife, and Parks, announced $366,665 in funding for 13 boat cleaning station projects across Quebec.

According to the Quebec government website, an aquatic invasive alien species is defined as a plant, animal, algae, freshwater or marine microorganism, virus, bacteria, or parasite. It is introduced outside its natural range by contaminating a new area and permanently altering the ecosystem. Its introduction can be intentional or accidental.

Examples of aquatic invasive alien species already established in Quebec:

• Goldfish

• Blood red shrimp

• Freshwater jellyfish

• Wood snail

• Zebra mussel

• Green sunfish

• And more

For the complete list of invasive alien species in Quebec: https://www.quebec.ca/agriculture-environnement-et-ressources-naturelles/faune/gestion-faune-habitats-fauniques/gestion-especes-exotiques-envahissantes-animales/liste-especes

“Reducing the spread of invasive alien species helps protect the health of our bodies of water and their ecosystems,” said Mr. Charette. “Cleaning boats is a simple and essential action that helps ensure the health and sustainability of Quebec’s waterways,” he added. “I thank the organizations that are responding to the call to participate in the fight against invasive species.”

To this end, the Quebec government has extended the Boat Cleaning Station program until 2027-2028. This will help control the arrival of other aquatic invasive alien species in waterways, which can spread rapidly and cause significant damage to the environment, humans, and the economy.

According to information from the Quebec government, controlling an invasive alien secies is very difficult and, as a result, generates considerable costs.

Organizations eligible for the Boat Cleaning Station program:

• Local or regional county municipalities (MRC)

• Non-profit organizations registered with the Registrar of Enterprises and dedicated to conservation, e.g., community wildlife areas, wildlife reserves (outside the Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (Sépaq) and more

• Communities and First Nations (recognized by the National Assembly of Quebec)

Note that applications must be submitted by the Minister, Benoit Charette, before July 31, 2027.

For more information on eligibility requirements: https://www.quebec.ca/tourisme-et-loisirs/activites-sportives-et-de-plein-air/aides-financieres-loisir-faune-plein-air/programme-stations-nettoyage-embarcations

Photo: Benoit Charette, Minister of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks, giving a speech on World Day for Threatened or Vulnerable Species (May 11, 2025) (MG) Photo: Screenshot