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04/30/2025

DEEP Reminds Boaters About New Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp Purchasing Requirement

Boaters Operating a Registered Vessel on Connecticut’s Inland Waters Need to Purchase an AIS Stamp

(HARTFORD) – The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) today reminds those who operate a motorboat or personal watercraft on Connecticut’s inland waters that they are now required to purchase an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Stamp through DEEP’s online Sportsmen Licensing System or wherever fishing licenses are sold.

Previously the AIS Stamp fee was included with boat registrations. Effective October 2024, the Connecticut legislature modified the method by which the annually required stamp is purchased. The 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 combatting AIS.

“The spread of nuisance aquatic invasive species is one of the biggest threats to water-based recreation in Connecticut today. The funds collected through the AIS Stamp program brings important resources to this fight,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes.

The spread of aquatic invasive species can wreak havoc on the economy and the environment. AIS are non-native plants or animals which are introduced into water environments. When left unchecked, AIS can cause significant impacts to native 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 dispersing throughout Connecticut’s waterbodies.

The AIS Stamp annual purchase is required when a boater answers yes to these two questions: (1) are you operating on Connecticut’s inland waters, and (2) are you operating a vessel which is required to display a registration decal? This applies to state residents and out-of-state visitors boating on Connecticut’s inland waters. To comply with the AIS Stamp law, boaters have two options:

  • Individual AIS Stamp ($7.00). 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 ($25.00). 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.

For more information, please see the DEEP Boating AIS Stamp FAQs website at: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Boating/FAQs/FAQ-AIS-Stamp or email the Boating Division at DEEP.Boating@ct.gov.

Additional Ways Boaters Can Help Fight the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species

DEEP also reminds boaters that state law (CGS Sec. 15-180) requires them to inspect vessels and trailers used to transport vessels for the presence of vegetation and aquatic invasive species and to properly remove and dispose of any that are visible and identifiable.

DEEP recommends all boaters practice the “Clean, Drain, Dry” technique between boat launchings:

  • Clean: Inspect and remove all visible plant, fish, and animals as well as mud or other debris at the launch. Do not transport them home. Check the trailer, including the axle and wheel, and all areas in and around the boat that came in contact with the water, including the anchor, props and jet engines, ropes, boat bumpers, paddles, etc.
  • Drain: Eliminate all water from every conceivable space and item before you leave the area you are visiting. Remove the drain plug from the boat, and put the boat on an incline so that the water drains out. Drain all water in live-wells, bilge, ballast tanks, transom wells, kayaks, canoes, rafts, motors, jet drives, boat hulls, scuba tanks and regulators, boots, waders, bait buckets, seaplane floats, and swimming floats.
  • Dry: If possible, allow for 5 days of drying time before entering new waters.
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Contact

DEEP Communications  
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110