URGENT UPDATE: The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) is alerting boaters to purchase their Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Stamp immediately! With the Labor Day weekend fast approaching, officials warn that failure to comply could result in a hefty $103 fine.
All operators of motorboats or personal watercraft on Connecticut’s inland waters, including the Connecticut, Housatonic, and Thames Rivers, are required to have this stamp. DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes emphasizes the importance of this stamp, stating, “Funding from the purchase of the Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp directly supports protecting inland waterways.”
Environmental conservation police, along with marine patrol officers, will be conducting targeted enforcement this weekend. According to DEEP, the spread of aquatic invasive species like hydrilla poses a substantial risk to native wildlife and water quality. The AIS Stamp program, established in 2019, funds essential preservation efforts for the state’s lakes, ponds, and rivers.
Boaters have two easy options to comply: purchase an Individual AIS Stamp for $7, which is tied to the individual, or a Vessel AIS Decal for $25, which is assigned to a specific vessel. Both serve as proof of compliance, and failing to display either can lead to significant penalties.
Col. Chris Lewis of the Connecticut Environmental Conservation Police stresses the need for preparation: “That means making sure your vessel has the required AIS decal or that the operator has a valid AIS stamp.” This crucial step not only helps avoid fines but also contributes to the protection of the state’s waterways.
This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Candlewood Lake Authority’s successful Lake Steward invasive species boat inspection program, funded through AIS Stamp revenues. Executive Director Mark Howarth notes, “Over the past five boating seasons, our Lake Stewards have inspected thousands of incoming boats and prevented multiple instances of invasive species from entering Candlewood Lake.”
Boaters are urged to act NOW! DEEP reminds all inland boaters, whether Connecticut residents or out-of-state visitors, to secure their 2025 AIS Stamp before hitting the water this weekend. For more information on purchasing the AIS Stamp, visit the DEEP website at portal.ct.gov/deep/boating or contact the Boating Division directly at [email protected].
Don’t let a simple oversight ruin your holiday weekend—make sure you’re compliant and doing your part to protect Connecticut’s waters!
