The Aquatic Invasive Species program had a busy and successful 2024, working with boaters to protect our local lakes. Our 2024 Whatcom Boat Inspections Annual Report is now available and details program highlights, accomplishments, and the ongoing efforts to protect Lake Whatcom and Lake Samish from harmful invasive species. Learn more about this vital work
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
Lake Whatcom’s South Bay boat launch will be closed to all traffic from Monday, June 3 to Friday, June 14 while it is being paved. The boat launch is scheduled to re-open Saturday, June 15.
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
Boat inspection stations at Bloedel Donovan, South Bay, and Lake Samish are open for the 2016 season. Inspectors will be checking both the interior and exterior of all watercraft to see that they are clean, drained, and dry and are not at risk for transporting aquatic invasive species to our local waters. Permits are required
We need your help to protect Whatcom County waters. Together, we can stop the spread of aquatic invasive species and protect our environment, our drinking water supply, and our way of life.
Whatcom Boat Inspection Hotline
(360) 778-7975
City of Bellingham – Public Works
Aquatic Invasive Species Program
g.pw.ais@cob.org
Send us comments or feedback on the
watercraft inspection program.
The Whatcom Aquatic Invasive Species Program is a joint project of Whatcom County, the City of Bellingham, and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District.
