The state of California has adopted a new framework to coordinate a response to the recent discovery of golden mussels, an invasive species that can wreak havoc on local ecosystems.
“The discovery of golden mussels in California is a serious challenge that requires coordinated action and a long-term commitment,” California Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Charlton Bonham said in a statement.
Local to China and Southeast Asia, the first golden mussels to be discovered in North America were found on the California coast in October 2024. Although visually similar to quagga and zebra mussels, state officials say golden mussels are even more dangerous due to their ability to survive in a wider variety of water conditions. In December 2024, the California Fish and Game Commission voted to list golden mussels as a restricted species.
To help contain and suppress the invasive shellfish, the California state government has unveiled a comprehensive Golden Mussel Response Framework.
“This response framework recommends critical steps that must be taken across state, regional and local levels to limit the spread and mitigate the impacts of this invasive species,” Bonham said.
The framework includes coordinated strategies being taken by various California departments to minimize the impact of golden mussels “on the environment, water conveyance, recreation and agriculture,” according to the state government.
“Taking coordinated action to address this invasive species will help safeguard critical water infrastructure like the State Water Project from the negative impacts golden mussels can pose to water delivery systems,” California Department of Water Resources (DWR) Deputy Director for the State Water Project John Yarbrough said. “Using this new framework and close collaboration with partner agencies, DWR will implement strategies to address this invasive species and minimize impacts by monitoring for the mussels in SWP waters and developing a mitigation plan.”
Among the measures called for in the framework are an investigation into how golden mussels can spread, increased inspection and decontamination of watercraft, and an education campaign.
CDFW will also provide USD 1 million (EUR 869,400) in grant funding to help boating facility operators prevent the introduction and spread of invasive mussels.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lists golden mussels as a high risk for invasiveness, noting that the climate of the contiguous United States were a match for the species.
