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All anglers in Montana, including those who have already purchased a fishing license for the season, must buy an aquatic invasive species prevention pass under legislation signed on Thursday.

Gov. Steve Bullock signed Senate Bill 363 Thursday. The bill is the main funding mechanism of Montana’s fight against the spread of aquatic invasive species, which includes doubling of inspection stations, additional water testing and mandatory inspection of out-of-state boats.

The legislation came in response to last year’s detection of invasive mussel larvae in Tiber Reservoir and suspected detection in Canyon Ferry Reservoir, which triggered a governor’s emergency declaration. If the mussels infest a waterbody, they cover and clog infrastructure and negatively impact aquatic life.

As a means of generating an estimated $3.2 million, a $2 resident and $15 nonresident prevention pass is now required. The pass will be available at all Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks license providers and online beginning May 19.

Compliance with the new pass will include an emphasis on education about the requirement, said Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks spokesman Greg Lemon.