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.

Eurasian watermilfoil has NOT been found growing in any lake in Whatcom County.

Zebra and quagga mussels attach themselves to hard surfaces tightly like superglue and are very difficult to remove without high pressure, hot water.

Aquatic invasive species can clog water intake pipes and impede the flow of water to municipal water supplies, irrigation operations, and power plants.

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

Inspectors rely on both your answers to survey questions as well as a visual and physical inspection of the watercraft to make their risk determination.