Sacramento County leaders have declared a local emergency over the growing threat of golden mussels, an invasive species from Asia that experts warn could harm waterways, ecosystems, and infrastructure if it continues spreading.California water managers have been working to contain the invasive species, which reproduces rapidly and has already spread from the Delta to Stockton. Patrick O’Neal, manager of the Boathouse Marina in the California Delta, shared his concerns after a recent business deal fell through due to the mussels.”We were going to buy a houseboat and turn it into an Airbnb,” O’Neal said until he saw how much it would cost to remove the boats golden mussel infestation saying, “To have that done, it was almost $10,000.”Ultimately, O’Neal said, “We backed out of the deal.”The mussels reproduce quickly and attach to any surface, making it likely they will spread further upstream if unchecked.Sacramento County leaders declared the emergency on Tuesday, citing fears that the mussels could harm the natural ecosystem by affecting the food fish feed on and clogging critical water infrastructure like water pipes and pumps.”We need people to take precautions so we’re not moving these mussels into waters they would not be able to reach on their own,” the Department of Fish and Wildlife said.The department is urging anyone who boats, owns jet skis, or kayaks to clean, dry, and drain their vessels to prevent the spread of the mussels. “Once they get in a body of water, it’s very difficult to get them out, very expensive,” the department said.A spokesperson said they have not detected the mussels further upstream and in the foothills.The department is urging the public to report any golden mussel sightings on its website, where users can upload photos and a location to track the spread of the invasive species. See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
Sacramento County leaders have declared a local emergency over the growing threat of golden mussels, an invasive species from Asia that experts warn could harm waterways, ecosystems, and infrastructure if it continues spreading.
California water managers have been working to contain the invasive species, which reproduces rapidly and has already spread from the Delta to Stockton.
Patrick O’Neal, manager of the Boathouse Marina in the California Delta, shared his concerns after a recent business deal fell through due to the mussels.
“We were going to buy a houseboat and turn it into an Airbnb,” O’Neal said until he saw how much it would cost to remove the boats golden mussel infestation saying, “To have that done, it was almost $10,000.”
Ultimately, O’Neal said, “We backed out of the deal.”
The mussels reproduce quickly and attach to any surface, making it likely they will spread further upstream if unchecked.
Sacramento County leaders declared the emergency on Tuesday, citing fears that the mussels could harm the natural ecosystem by affecting the food fish feed on and clogging critical water infrastructure like water pipes and pumps.
“We need people to take precautions so we’re not moving these mussels into waters they would not be able to reach on their own,” the Department of Fish and Wildlife said.
The department is urging anyone who boats, owns jet skis, or kayaks to clean, dry, and drain their vessels to prevent the spread of the mussels.
“Once they get in a body of water, it’s very difficult to get them out, very expensive,” the department said.
A spokesperson said they have not detected the mussels further upstream and in the foothills.
The department is urging the public to report any golden mussel sightings on its website, where users can upload photos and a location to track the spread of the invasive species.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel