2025 AIS Permits on Sale 

Get ready to hit the water! 2025 Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) permits went on sale for Whatcom County lakes early this year. Inspection stations will open on Saturday, April 26, but all boats are required to have a valid permit any time they launch or operate on Lake Whatcom or Lake Samish. As always, get $10 off your annual permit and learn more about ways to prevent the spread of invasive species by taking the AIS Awareness Course today. We look forward to seeing you on the water. 

Permit Fee Increase 

Please note that permit fees increased on March 3, 2025, marking the first increase in fees since 2019. Due to growing visitation to our lakes and increased proximity of AIS detections to Whatcom County, additional efforts are needed to protect our drinking water, recreational access, and lake health. The fee increases will help fund crucial enhancements to inspection efforts and support continued access for boaters and recreators. Permit rates vary depending on where your boat is stored. Boats visiting Whatcom County lakes from further away pose a greater risk of introducing invasive species. This increased risk is reflected in the permit prices. Resident boats will need to have an annual permit to remain on the lake throughout the season. For additional questions or to schedule an inspection on-site, please call the hotline at (360) 778-7975. 

Find current permit fees and purchase your permit online. 

The Lake Whatcom and Lake Samish check stations are now closed for the 2024 season, however a valid 2024 permit is still required to boat on these lakes. Permits for the 2025 season go on sale January 2nd and the season starts April 26th 2025!

If boat owners do not plan on using their boat throughout the winter months, they are encouraged to have their boats wire sealed to ensure a speedy and efficient start to the 2025 boating season. If you happen to miss us at the boat launch, don’t worry! Our year-round staff are available (starting October 1st) Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM to meet you and seal your boat. Just be sure to call with advance notice.

To find out the most current hours of operation, to schedule an appointment, or to have your vessel wire sealed, please call the AIS Boat Inspection Hotline at: (360) 778-7975.

Thank you all and see you in 2025!

Since 2012, the Whatcom Boat Inspection and Aquatic Invasive Species program has worked to keep Zebra and Quagga mussels (ZQM) out of Washington State, one of the last strongholds in the country, as well as control the spread of documented invasive species already present. Every year, the program publishes an annual report detailing data like number of boats inspected, number of boats decontaminated, where boats are traveling from, and much more. Read the 2023 Whatcom Boat Inspections Annual Report here.