Whatcom Boat Inspection

Question 1 of 10

If a bait well or a hold on your boat has water in it, but the water looks clean, do you still need to drain and dry the hold before launching your boat?

Yes – some AIS are too tiny to see and are carried by water

No – if it looks clean then it is likely rainwater

Question 2 of 10

The goal of the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program is to protect Whatcom County's natural resources, infrastructure, recreation, wildlife, and economy from the impacts of aquatic invasive species by:

Preventing the introduction of aquatic invasive species, such as zebra and quagga mussels, and stopping the spread of established aquatic invasive species to new waters

Assisting the spread of established aquatic invasive species, such as Asian clams, to new waters

Allowing current infestations to grow and expand throughout a waterbody so they cannot be contained

Question 4 of 10

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

True

False

Question 5 of 10

What are some of the impacts to humans from the introduction of AIS?

Damage boats and in-water structures

Clog water intake pipes and impede the flow of water to municipal water supplies, irrigation operations, and power plants

Cause long-term taste and odor issues in drinking water supplies

Make shoreline areas hazardous and uninviting for recreational users and waterfront property owners

All of the above

Question 6 of 10

How do quagga and zebra mussels spread from an affected water body to another water body?

Quagga and zebra mussels are likely spread only by birds and seaplanes.

Quagga and zebra mussels are typically spread only by boats.

Quagga and zebra mussels can be spread by a variety of sources, including downstream flow of water, hitchhiking on or within boats or by latching onto wetted equipment, ropes, gear, toys or apparel.

Question 7 of 10

Once an aquatic invasive species becomes established in a waterbody, it becomes increasingly difficult and costly to manage the population.

True

False

Question 8 of 10

What are inspectors looking and feeling for when they conduct a physical watercraft inspection?

They are looking and feeling for any evidence of aquatic invasive species or standing water that could harbor microscopic aquatic invasive species

They are looking to see what kind of picnic you packed for the day

They are looking to see if you have the appropriate number of life jackets on board

Question 9 of 10

If you have a non-motorized, hand-carried boat (kayak, canoe) do you need a permit to launch on Lake Whatcom or Lake Samish?

Yes – they are included in the AIS Boat Inspection Program

No – they are exempt from the AIS Boat Inspection Program

Question 10 of 10

You decide to take your boat from Lake Whatcom to Lake Samish. How can you help prevent the spread of Asian clams between these two lakes?

By washing the exterior of your watercraft before launching at Lake Samish

By cleaning, draining, and drying your watercraft and equipment before launching at Lake Samish

By collecting clams in a bucket and transporting them to Lake Samish

By dumping the contents of your bait bucket in Lake Samish