Marine Invasive Species Fee Guide

The Marine Invasive Species Fee is jointly administered by the State Lands Commission and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA).

The Marine Invasive Species Fee you pay to the state provides funding to combat the introduction and spread of non-indigenous aquatic species into California waters.

We developed this guide to provide you with easily accessible information to assist you in understanding the Marine Invasive Species Fee Program and the obligations of vessel owners and operators, and marine agents.

Marine Invasive Species Fee

The marine invasive species fee was established in 1999 to address the introduction and spread of foreign aquatic species into California waters. (Public Resource Code 71200 et seq.)

The fee rate is set by the State Lands Commission. The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) is responsible for the collection of the fee. The CDTFA works with the California Marine Exchanges (CME) to identify daily arrivals of vessels into California ports.

How the Revenue is Used

The funds are used to support the marine invasive species program established to prevent the introduction and spread of foreign non-indigenous aquatic species into the state waters of California. (PRC 71200 et seq.)

How to Use This Guide

Each section of this guide contains important information relevant to the Marine Invasive Species Fee.

The Getting Started section includes a summary of general application of the fee and lists resources related to registration, applicable fee rates, return filing and payments.

The Industry Topics section contains specific topics important to the Marine Invasive Species Fee, including information about exemptions and refunds.

The Resources section provides links to helpful information, including special notices, publications, and applicable statutes/regulations.

Please note that the general information provided in this Tax Guide does not supersede any law or regulation. This guide summarizes the law and applicable regulations in effect when it was published. However, changes in the law or regulations may have occurred. If there is a conflict between this document and current law, the current law governs.

If you Need Help

If at any time you need assistance with topics included in this guide — or with topics not included — feel free to contact us by telephone or email. For contact information and hours of operation please visit our How to Contact Us webpage.

If you have suggestions for improving this guide, please contact us by email.