Ottawa announces $14.7 million to fight aquatic invasive species in mountain parks

The federal government is committing funds to fight aquatic invasive species in five mountain national parks in Alberta and British Columbia.

Guilbeault made the announcement in Banff, Alta., with $14.7 million being made available over the next five years to prevent and manage invasive species in Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, Waterton Lakes and Yoho national parks.

The money is to be used for both prevention and education programs.

Environment and Climate Change Canada said the parks are vulnerable to non-native species of mussels as well as the parasite that causes whirling disease in fish.

Invasive species can be spread by people enjoying mountain rivers and lakes.