CT River, Lakes Boaters Beware: AIS Stamp Enforcement Planned For Labor Day Weekend

HARTFORD – Boaters in north central and eastern Connecticut take note: The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has sent out a reminder to purchase an Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp ahead of enhanced enforcement efforts over Labor Day Weekend.

Anyone who operates a motorboat or personal watercraft on Connecticut’s inland waters, including the Connecticut River and area lakes, is required to purchase an AIS Stamp. The AIS Stamp can be purchased through the DEEP's online Sportsmen Licensing System or wherever fishing licenses are sold. The DEEP is urges inland boaters who have not yet purchased their 2025 AIS Stamp, to do so before heading on the water this weekend.

An AIS Stamp annual purchase is required for both Connecticut residents and out-of-state visitors operating a registered vessel on Connecticut’s inland waters.

Said DEEP officials, "The spread of aquatic invasive species can wreak havoc on the economy and the environment. AIS are non-native plants or animals which, when introduced into aquatic environments and left unchecked, can cause significant harm to native wildlife species, water
quality, and recreational opportunities for boaters and anglers. Connecticut is no stranger to these nuisance species, with several aggressive plants, fish, and shellfish currently dispersed throughout our waterbodies. "

The State Legislature established the AIS Stamp Program in 2019, and it is the primary source of funding for the Lakes, Ponds, and Rivers Preservation Account which provides
grant funding to non-profit groups and municipalities for research, treatment, and education campaigns that combat AIS. Previously the AIS Stamp fee was included with boat registrations. Beginning in October 2024, boaters were required to purchase the AIS Stamp annually through the Sportsman Licensing System.

"Funding from the purchase of the Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp directly supports protecting inland waterways from aquatic invasive species – including grants to local nonprofits and municipalities who are working hard to address the threat of aquatic invasive
species at a local level," DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said.

"For anyone heading out on the water, preparation starts before you launch,” said
Col. Chris Lewis of the DEEP's EnCon Police force. "That means making sure your vessel has the required AIS decal, or that the operator has a valid AIS stamp. It’s a simple step that not only helps you avoid fines and stay in compliance with the law, but also plays an important role in protecting our waters from aquatic invasive species."

To comply with the AIS Stamp law, boaters have two options:

• Individual AIS Stamp ($7). The Individual AIS Stamp is assigned to the individual purchasing the stamp, and it allows that individual to operate in compliance. The proof of purchase is displayed on that individual’s Sportsmen Conservation License as a privilege like a hunting or fishing license.
• Vessel AIS Decal ($25). The Vessel AIS Decal is assigned to a particular vessel, and it allows anyone operating that vessel to operate in compliance. The proof of purchase is a decal that must be affixed to the vessel. The Vessel AIS Decal also provides an Individual AIS Stamp for the purchaser which will be displayed on that individual’s Sportsmen Conservation License as a privilege like a hunting or fishing license.

Anyone operating a vessel without an AIS stamp or decal will be fined $103, DEEP officials said. Environmental Conservation Police along with other marine patrol officers across the state will be conducting targeted enforcement of the AIS stamp this Labor Day weekend, officials said.

____

For more information, see the DEEP Boating AIS Stamp FAQs website or email the Boating Division at DEEP.Boating@ct.gov.