Aquatic invasive species (AIS) can clog drinking water intake pipes, damage boat hulls, degrade water quality, and negatively impact recreation. Because wakeboard boats use ballast bags and tanks that hold over 50 gallons of water, they carry a higher risk for spreading invasive species like zebra, quagga, and golden mussels. These AIS begin as microscopic larvae called veligers. You can’t see them, but they easily survive in standing water. When you trailer your boat to a new location, these invasive species come with you.

Draining your boat after every use is the best way to protect our lakes. During your inspection, AIS staff will check for any standing water and ensure all systems are dry before you launch. Please be ready to drain your ballast and bilge systems in the inspection lane. In some cases, we may ask you to disconnect and remove ballast bags to ensure they are fully emptied.

CLEAN

Remove all mud, dirt, sand and visible plants and animals from:

• The hull and trailer
• Inboard, outboard, or I/O motor
• Ropes, anchors, and gear
• The bilge area

DRAIN

Pull your plugs and drain all water from:

• Ballast bags and tanks
• Bilge areas
• Live wells and any other water-holding systems

DRY

Give your boat time to dry fully between uses. Standing water can keep aquatic invasive species alive for up to 30 days.

Speed up your launch: Wire Seal Program

You can save time and skip the ballast drain at your next launch by using our Wire Seal Program.

How it works:

1. When you exit the water, ask an inspector for a wire seal.
2. Stay sealed. An intact seal proves your boat hasn’t entered another lake since your last visit to Lake Whatcom or Lake Samish.
3. When you return, stop at the inspection station. Staff will verify your seal and permit, snip the wire, and get you on the water faster.

Please note that seals are lake-specific and cannot be swapped between Lake Whatcom and Lake Samish. Arriving without the correct seal for that location will result in a reinspection.