Invasive Species Permit Required for Out-of-State Boaters in WA

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) now requires out-of-state recreational registered boaters and commercial transporters of boats to purchase a $24 annual Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention permit to help the department’s efforts in preventing the spread AIS.

The permit requirement was passed by the state legislature during the 2017 session under the recommendation of the AIS Funding Advisory Committee. The group recognized out-of-state boaters as potential risks for AIS introduction and transmission. The funds generated from the $24 fee support the department’s efforts to keep Washington’s waters free of aquatic invasive species and manage infestations when prevention fails. Permit sales are expected to generate approximately $412,000 annually in revenue by 2021.

Washington residents who register their watercraft automatically pay an annual fee to support the AIS program and are exempt from this requirement, as are vessels registered in Idaho or Oregon that use shared state waters.

To obtain a permit, visit wdfw.wa.gov.