DEEP Warning Boaters Of Increased AIS stamp Enforcement On Connecticut Inland Waters

CONNECTICUT — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is reminding boaters to purchase a 2026 Aquatic Invasive Species stamp before stepping up enforcement efforts on inland waterways later this summer.

State law requires anyone operating a motorboat or personal watercraft on Connecticut's inland waters, including designated inland sections of the Connecticut, Housatonic and Thames rivers, to purchase an annual Aquatic Invasive Species, or AIS, stamp. The requirement applies to both Connecticut residents and out-of-state visitors operating registered vessels.

DEEP said Environmental Conservation Police officers will conduct compliance checks on inland waters statewide during the summer boating season.

"The AIS Stamp provides critical funding for grant programs that help prevent and treat invasive species," Acting DEEP Commissioner Emma Cimino said in a statement.

Aquatic invasive species are non-native plants and animals that can harm native wildlife, degrade water quality and disrupt recreational boating and fishing. Connecticut has several invasive plants, fish and shellfish established in lakes, ponds and rivers across the state, according to DEEP.

The AIS Stamp Program was established by the Connecticut General Assembly in 2019 and serves as the primary funding source for the state's Lakes, Ponds, and Rivers Preservation Account. The account provides grants to municipalities and nonprofit organizations for research, invasive species management and public education.

Since 2020, DEEP has awarded nearly $2.4 million to 80 projects through the grant program to support invasive species monitoring, treatment and outreach efforts.

The AIS fee was previously collected as part of Connecticut boat registrations. Beginning in October 2024, the fee was removed from the registration process, and boaters are now required to purchase the AIS stamp annually through DEEP's Sportsmen Licensing System or from vendors that sell Connecticut fishing licenses.

DEEP officials said purchasing the stamp keeps boaters in compliance with state law while helping fund efforts to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in Connecticut's lakes and rivers.