AGE OF THE GOLDEN MUSSEL (LAKE CLOSURES, RESTRICTIONS, MANAGEMENT)
By Del Albright
(DISCLAIMER: This is the best information I could find as of 5/2/2025. I can’t be sure it will hold true for very long. Be sure to check your lake or water controlling agency before attempting to launch your boat. Things change fast.)
The golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei), an invasive freshwater species native to Asia, was first detected in North America in October 2024 at the Port of Stockton in California’s Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Since then, it has been found in other locations, including O’Neill Forebay near Los Banos .
Threats and Impacts
Golden mussels pose significant ecological and economic threats:
- Infrastructure Damage: They can clog water intakes, pipes, and hydroelectric systems, affecting water delivery, agriculture, and power generation.
- Ecosystem Disruption: By filtering out plankton, they disrupt food chains, leading to declines in native fish populations and contributing to harmful algal blooms.
- Recreational and Economic Costs: Infestations can lead to waterbody closures, mandatory inspections, and increased maintenance costs for boats and infrastructure.
Statewide Response
California has initiated a coordinated response through the Golden Mussel Task Force, comprising agencies like the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), Department of Water Resources (DWR), and California State Parks. The response framework includes:
- Containment and Prevention: Mapping high-risk areas, enhancing boat inspection and decontamination protocols, and investigating spread pathways .
- Education and Outreach: Promoting the “Clean, Drain, Dry” campaign to prevent mussel spread via watercraft .
- Incentives and Partnerships: Providing $1 million in grants to boating facilities for prevention efforts.
Local Actions
Various lakes and regions have implemented specific measures:
- Folsom Lake and Lake Clementine: Mandatory 30-day quarantine for all trailered and motorized vessels starting April 14, 2025 .
- Lake Tahoe: Mandatory decontaminations for all visiting motorized watercraft, with updated fee structures to support the program .
- Yuba River Watershed: Regular monitoring and sampling for mussels, with emphasis on self-inspection and cleaning of watercraft.
- Lake Berryessa and Lake Camanche: Implemented boat launch restrictions and closures to prevent mussel introduction.
Public Involvement
The public plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of golden mussels:
- Report Sightings: If you observe golden mussels, take clear photos and report them to CDFW via email at invasives@wildlife.ca.gov or call (866) 440-9530.
- Follow Protocols: Always clean, drain, and dry your watercraft and equipment before moving between water bodies.
New Melones Reservoir (Tuolumne County)
- Boat Launch Suspension: Since December 7, 2024, all boat launches have been temporarily suspended to prevent the spread of golden mussels.
- Quarantine Seal Program: Boaters can obtain a free quarantine seal from park rangers at the Glory Hole boat launch. This seal initiates a 30-day dry-out period, after which boats may be eligible for future launching.
- Inspection Protocols: Staff are developing new inspection procedures to ensure watercraft are mussel-free before launching.
Pardee Reservoir (Amador and Calaveras Counties)
- Boat Launch Closure: The East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) has closed all private boat launches at Pardee Reservoir for the 2025 season as a precautionary measure.
- Collaborative Planning: EBMUD is working with state and federal agencies to develop long-term strategies to prevent golden mussel infestations.
- Recreational Access: While boat launches are closed, shoreline fishing, hiking, camping, and boat rentals remain available.
️ Lake Oroville (Butte County)
- Preventative Measures: Golden mussels have not been detected at Lake Oroville. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is implementing measures to prevent their introduction.
- Watercraft Inspections: DWR, in coordination with the California Department of Parks and Recreation and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, plans to initiate watercraft inspections at Lake Oroville and surrounding State Water Project facilities within the next month.
- Public Education: Boaters are urged to follow the “Clean, Drain, Dry” protocol to prevent the spread of invasive species.
These are not the kind of mussels we eat in cioppino! (smile).
Statewide Coordination
These local efforts are part of a broader response coordinated by the Golden Mussel Task Force, which includes agencies like CDFW, DWR, and California State Parks. The task force focuses on containment, prevention, education, and infrastructure protection to combat the spread of golden mussels across California’s waterways.
Again, I suggest you check first and check now, long before you want to launch in any lake these days.
Del