A “significant threat” to the Delta has been discovered in the Port of Stockton.
The golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei), an invasive, non-native freshwater bivalve, was recently discovered in the port by California Department of Water Resources staff while conducting routine operations, the water agency said in a statement Thursday.
Suspected golden mussels have also been identified at O’Neill Forebay in Merced County and are currently undergoing genetic testing for confirmation.
The discovery is the first known occurrence of golden mussels in North America.
The Department of Water Resources said in a statement, “The species poses a significant immediate threat to the ecological health of the Delta and all waters of the state, water conveyance systems, infrastructure and water quality.”
In waterways occupied by the golden mussel, heavy encrustations of the species have blocked municipal and industrial water intakes, necessitated ongoing biofouling removal, harmed native species in the ecosystem, affected water clarity due to intense filter feeding, and diminished water quality.
DWR said golden mussels were likely introduced to California by a ship traveling from an international port. They are likely to spread throughout the Delta and associated water conveyance systems.
DWR said that without containment, golden mussels are likely to spread to other freshwater bodies in California, and to other ports and inland waters of North America and abroad.
Stowaways from distant ports
Following the initial discovery in Stockton, additional mussels have been found on monitoring equipment downstream. Species confirmation is pending for these organisms.
Golden mussels are similar in appearance, biology, and impacts, to quagga and zebra mussels and are a continued priority for prevention and containment in inland waters of Southern California and across the state.
Golden mussels are native to rivers and creeks of China and Southeast Asia. They are known to be established outside of their native range in Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina.
“The species poses a significant immediate threat to the ecological health of the Delta and all waters of the state, water conveyance systems, infrastructure and water quality.”
Department of Water Resources
Their spread to these countries were also likely the result of ships from biofouling on the hulls and/or ballast water release. In most cases, the invaded range has expanded upstream from the point of introduction and inland from ports through local, human-mediated pathways.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California State Parks, DWR, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and other state, federal, and local agencies regularly coordinate through the Aquatic Invasive Species program.
This partnership aims to limit the spread of invasive species in California’s waterways, which cause damage to native species and the ecosystems they need to survive.
People can report organisms suspected to be golden mussels to CDFW’s Invasive Species Program. Include the specific location of the observation, and at least one clear close-up photograph of the organism.
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