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:

By educating all Whatcom County boaters and residents, the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program aims to protect:

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.

If you boat on a lake infested with Eurasian watermilfoil or other aquatic weeds, what is the best way to prevent the plants from spreading somewhere else?

Inspectors will ask you where and when your watercraft was last used.

Do you need to purchase an AIS permit at the beginning of each year's boating season?