The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection is reminding boaters to purchase an Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp ahead of the Labor Day weekend, officials said.
Anyone who operates a motorboat or personal watercraft on Connecticut’s inland waters, including the designated inland waters of the Connecticut, Housatonic and Thames Rivers, is required to purchase the stamp, according to a DEEP spokesperson. Environmental conservation police, along with other marine patrol officers across the state, will be conducting targeted enforcement of the AIS stamp this weekend.
The spread of aquatic invasive species such as hydrilla has been a major concern in Connecticut recently. Aquatic invasive species 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, according to DEEP.
State lawmakers established the AIS Stamp program in 2019 as the primary source of funding for the state’s lakes, ponds and rivers preservation account, which provides grant funding to non-profit groups and municipalities for research, treatment and education campaigns that combat the invasive species. Previously the AIS Stamp fee was included with boat registrations. However, beginning last year, boaters are now required to purchase the AIS Stamp annually through the Sportsmen Licensing System or wherever fishing licenses are sold.
“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,” said DEEP commissioner Katie Dykes.
DEEP 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.
“For anyone heading out on the water, preparation starts before you launch,” Col. Chris Lewis of the Connecticut Environmental Conservation Police said in a press release. “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.”
DEEP officials said boaters have two options to comply with the state law. Boaters can purchase an Individual AIS Stamp for $7. which is assigned to the individual purchasing the stamp. The proof of purchase is displayed on that individual’s Sportsmen Conservation License as a privilege like a hunting or fishing license. Boaters can choose to purchase a Vessel AIS Decal for $25. The decal is assigned to a particular vessel and allows anyone operating that vessel to operate in compliance. The proof of purchase is a decal that must be affixed to the vessel.
Anyone operating a vessel without an AIS stamp or decal will be fined $103, according to officials.
Candlewood Lake Authority executive director Mark Howarth noted that 2025 “marks the fifth year of Candlewood Lake Authority’s successful Lake Steward invasive species boat inspection program, which is funded via revenues generated by the AIS Stamp grant.
“Over the past five boating seasons our Lake Stewards have inspected thousands of incoming boats, raised awareness about invasive species and prevented multiple instances of invasive species, including a suspected instance of hydrilla, from entering Candlewood Lake,” Howarth added. “This program not only helps prevent new invasive species from entering Candlewood, but also helps reduce the chances that invasive species will spread from Candlewood to another lake.”
More information on the AIS Stamp can be found on the DEEP website at portal.ct.gov/deep/boating or by emailing the Boating Division at DEEP.Boating@ct.gov.
Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com.
