A particularly alarming species of mussel has entered North America for the first time through the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, posing what many are calling an imminent threat to California’s most important watershed.
The golden mussel, an invasive freshwater bivalve that has wreaked havoc on ecosystems and critical water infrastructure in other parts of the world, was recently discovered near Stockton Harbor. Limnoperna fortuneni also appears to have invaded the O’Neill Forebay in San Luis Reservoir, miles downstream, where Merced County officials are conducting rapid genetic testing.
According to official warnings from the California Department of Water Resources and the California Department of Fish and Game, “this species poses a significant and immediate threat to the ecological health, water conveyance systems, infrastructure, and water quality of the Delta and all waters in the state. “We are bringing this to fruition.” And wild animals. “This discovery is the first known discovery of golden mussels in North America.”
These mussels likely entered California by ships traveling from international ports and are likely to spread throughout the Delta and through water infrastructure associated with the Delta, officials said in a statement. “Without containment, golden mussels could spread to other freshwater bodies of California, other ports and inland waters in North America, and overseas.”
These small, dark yellow mollusks live in rivers in China and Southeast Asia, have already wreaked havoc in South America, and have had officials and ecologists across the United States on high alert for years. In countries where mussels are endemic, initial introductions appear to be from ships, either on the hull or from the release of ballast water.
And in most of these cases that occurred in other regions, the golden snail’s range expanded rapidly upstream or downstream from the point of introduction, usually at ports and then through routes mediated by local humans. , officials said.
Golden mussels, which belong to both freshwater and brackish water species, can withstand a wide range of salinity, temperature, and pH levels, and can travel much further than people think. Immediately after fertilization, the larvae become mobile and can swim cooperatively while dispersing throughout the water column.
The takeover of golden mollusks in other countries shows that this species can grow in communities, or colonies, containing as many as 80,000 to 200,000 organisms per square meter.
Wildlife officials say golden mussels can survive in waters with significantly lower calcium levels than quagga and zebra mussels, which causes considerable problems in California’s lakes and reservoirs, the Great Lakes region and many other areas. points out. Lakes across America.
In addition to disrupting the overall ecological balance of freshwater, golden mussels pose a serious threat to California’s water infrastructure. These mussels can clog important water intakes and fish screens, as well as fouling the main pipes that provide water.
Agricultural irrigation and power plant operations could also be significantly disrupted, and if past mussel infestations are any indication, golden mussels could cover docks, engines, and steering gear, seriously disrupting boating and recreation. may have an impact.
In California, a team of state, local, and federal agencies is actively monitoring and coordinating next steps to prevent further spread of the species within California and beyond. Officials urged people who work or recreate on California’s lakes and rivers to wash, drain and dry their personal watercraft and equipment every time they remove it from a body of water. (California State Parks’ Boating and Waterways Division has a web page with detailed instructions on how to “clean, drain, and dry” your boat.)
“This simple measure helps prevent the spread of quagga and zebra mussels, and is equally effective in stopping the land spread of golden mussels,” officials said.
Anyone who observes a suspected golden mussel in California should contact CDFW by filling out a form online, emailing invasives@wildlife.ca.gov, or calling (866) 440-9530. You will be asked to submit a report through the Invasive Species Program. Please note that authorities require these citizen reports to include the specific location of the observation and at least one clear close-up photo of the shellfish.
