b'E N V I R O N M E N TA L I N F O R M AT I O N5. Quagga mussel: 5The quagga is slightly larger than the zebra mussel. The shell is striped but is more pale toward the end of the hinge. Color patterns vary widely with black, cream, or white bands. The quagga has a rounded angle and a convex ventral side. Quagga mussels have not been found in Connecticut waters.t nar G6 a eS n6. Chinese mitten crab:a gi h cThe claws are of equal size and appear furry with whitish int tips. The smooth shell is brown to green with four spines (theMarG a fourth can be small) on each side. There is a notch between the eSoih O eyes. In June, 2012, a juvenile Chinese mitten crab was collected , hc l e from the Mianus River in Greenwich. This is the first confirmed Ke va D report of this invasive in CT. This crab reproduces in saltwater but spends most of its life in freshwater.77. Rusty crayfish: ntraGeaA large crayfish with reddish spots on each side of the body just in front of the tail, grayish green color, S Nsmooth mandibles (mouth parts without serrated edge) and black bands on tips of claws.Rusty crayfish M noare aggressive and can displace native crayfish. They feed heavily on invertebrates that are important food sr ed nu Gsources for fishes and can destroy aquatic vegetation beds, impacting habitat used by other invertebratesf f eJand game fish. Rusty crayfish are often spread via bait buckets. Rusty crayfish can be found in a number of freshwater systems throughout Connecticut.8. Asian clam:A bivalve that can grow as large as 5 cm (2 inches) wide and live up to seven years. Asian clams S can be identified by the presence of yellow and brown color concentric rings on their shell.The GSUd outer side of the shell can flake, revealing white spots.Asian clam excretions encourage algal a ehk r growth which reduces water quality for native flora and fauna. Asian clams can aggressively u Ble o N colonize the bottom of waterways and can outcompete native species for space.Asian clams can be 8 found in a number of freshwater systems throughout Connecticut.Aquatic Invasive Species Stamp-Public Act No. 19-190EffectiveJanuary1,2020- An AquaticAnyone intending to operate an out oflakes, ponds, and rivers, treatment to control InvasiveSpeciesfeewillbeaddedtostate registered vessel, on inland waters, mustAISandcyanobacteria,andeducationand Connecticut vessel registrations and boaterspurchase an annual Invasive Species Stamp.outreach programs to promote AIS awareness with out of state registrations must obtain anInvasive Species Stamps may be purchasedand in Connecticut lakes, rivers and ponds.AIS Stamp prior to boating in inland waters. throughtheSportsmenLicensingSystem- www.ct.aspirafocus.com/InternetSales/Sales. What other ways can I contribute?What is the AIS Stamp? While on inland Connecticut waters, you are-Follow the Clean, Drain, Dry method, as A$5fee,asindicatedonConnecticutrequired to carry this document on the vessel. describedonpage52,wheneveryouare vessel registration renewals, to fund invasiveboating.speciesgrantprojects.TheregistrationWhat does this fee go towards?validation decal will serve as your AIS stamp. Collected funds will go into the ConnecticutFor more information about the AIS Lakes,Rivers,andPondsPreservationStamp or invasive species, visit https://Do out of state registered vesselsaccount. These funds will be used for projectsportal.ct.gov/DEEP/Invasive-Species/need an AIS Stamp? involving the restoration and rehabilitation ofInvasive-Species2022 Connecticut BOATERS GUIDE41'