The goal of decontamination is to kill and remove all evidence of aquatic invasive species using high-pressure, hot water.

Boating is a primary pathway for the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species to and from Whatcom County lakes.

Quagga and zebra mussels came to North America in the ballast tanks and on the anchor chains of large, transoceanic ships that entered the Great Lakes.

People who live on Lake Whatcom or Lake Samish and keep their boat on the lake and never take it anywhere else do not need to buy an AIS Permit or to get their watercraft inspected.

Zebra and quagga mussels can attach themselves to hard surfaces but can be removed quite easily with a damp cloth.

Fragrant waterlilly has been found to be growing in Lake Samish.