California Department of Fish and Wildlife Archives - Stocktonia News

Close-up of a nutria with brown fur and large orange teeth.

Nutria study suggests ‘intentional introduction’ of giant rodents into the Delta

by Chris Woodyard • Stocktonia April 21, 2026, 9:02 a.m.May 6, 2026, 10:39 p.m.

DNA of nutrias from different states was compared, and the results suggest the animals could have been deliberately brought into California.

A group of elephant seals resting on a sandy beach, with one in the center upright and vocalizing.

First confirmed cases of bird flu in California elephant seals stoke fear as virus surges worldwide

by Kiley Price • Inside Climate News March 7, 2026, 7:00 a.m.March 5, 2026, 12:27 p.m.

Swan gliding on a rippling body of water with grasses in the background.

California’s newest invaders are beautiful swans. Should hunters kill them?

by Ryan Sabalow • CalMatters Aug. 14, 2025, 11:54 a.m.April 23, 2026, 2:32 p.m.

Dog sniffing the propeller of an outboard motor on a boat.

Meet the mussel-sniffing dogs that could save California from a Delta invader

by Rachel Becker • CalMatters July 16, 2025, 6:00 a.m.April 23, 2026, 2:32 p.m.

A lake pictured on a sunny day with trees in the far background

Spring-run salmon improves due to revitalized migration patterns

by Hope Muñoz • Stocktonia June 30, 2025, 1:27 p.m.May 6, 2026, 10:39 p.m.

Crabs on display in a bin surrounded by ice.

Commercial crab fishing season comes to end in effort to prevent whale entanglements

by Bay City News June 17, 2025, 8:00 a.m.May 6, 2026, 10:35 a.m.

Man charged with dumping 280 gallons of oil into Stockton’s Smith Canal

by Katy St. Clair • Bay City News March 6, 2025, 10:02 a.m.March 6, 2025, 10:07 a.m.

Small mussels arranged on a surface and inside a divided Petri dish with a ruler at the top.

California takes emergency measures to stop spread of invasive golden mussels, first found in Stockton

by Chris Woodyard • Stocktonia Jan. 2, 2025, 7:30 a.m.May 6, 2026, 10:39 p.m.

Skip to main contentSkip to toolbar About WordPress Stocktonia News Live 22 updates available 578578 Comments in moderation New View Post Howdy, B.J. Terhune Edit Post Invasive golden mussels found in Port of Stockton, threaten water systems across the Delta Ctrl+K Save draft Publish Invasive golden mussels found in Port of Stockton, threaten water systems across the Delta The California Department of Fish and Wildlife says it’s the first time the species has been encountered in North America. A dangerous invasive mollusk has been discovered in the Port of Stockton, and the species could threaten water systems across the Delta, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife reports. A non-native bivalve called the golden mussel was recently found in the port. It also is suspected to have invaded O’Neill Forebay in Merced County, about 80 miles south of Stockton. Fish and Wildlife officials say it’s the first time golden mussels have been encountered in North America. “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,” the department said in a statement. After the Stockton discovery, the department has been scouring the Delta for other suspected golden mussels, which are being tested for confirmation. If the new infestation isn't confronted immediately, the freshwater invaders could spread to other waterways and ports in the state, officials warn. “If we’re lucky, and we stage a real eradication effort in the area where it’s presently found, it might not be too costly and would be worth it,” UC Davis biologist Peter Moyle told CalMatters. Though small — the mussels are little more than half an inch and up to 2 inches in length — they can encrust water pipes and clog them. They can attach themselves to ship hulls or be released when ballast water is discharged. The mussels found in Stockton were likely carried into port by a visiting ship, officials said. The species could easily spread throughout the Delta. And the threat goes beyond just fouling water pipes, Fish and Wildlife authorities warn. The mussels may endanger native species, and because they are voracious filter-feeders, they could also decrease water clarity. Golden mussels, or Limnoperna fortunei, are named for the golden or yellowish hue of their shell. They thrive in the rivers and creeks of China and Southeast Asia, but have traveled extensively around the Pacific Rim. They have been found in Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina. To stop their spread in the Delta, authorities are calling on boat owners to clean, drain and dry their vessels whenever they haul them out of the water. Boat inspections have already begun in O’Neill Forebay, situated west of Los Banos. And officials are asking anyone who encounters mussels they suspect are the golden variety to report the finding to Fish and Wildlife. Though the golden mussel may be new to the U.S., it’s not the first time California wildlife experts have had to try to eliminate invasive bivalves. The quagga and zebra mussels continue to be a concern. Toggle panel: Yoast SEO Premium SEO Readability Schema Social News Focus keyphraseHelp on choosing the perfect focus keyphrase(Opens in a new browser tab) golden mussels Get related keyphrases(Opens in a new browser tab) Search appearance Determine how your post should look in the search results. 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Most Used StocktonCommunitySan Joaquin CountyPublic SafetyLocal GovernmenteducationStockton Police DepartmentOpinionMichael FitzgeraldStockton Unified School District Sponsors Toggle panel: Perfmatters Defer JavaScript Delay JavaScript Unused CSS Lazy Loading Clear Used CSS Toggle panel: Cookiebanner Open publish panel Post NotificationsDraft saved. Select Files Close dialog Featured image Upload filesMedia Library Filter mediaFilter by type Images Filter by date All dates Search media Media list Showing 81 of 1880 media items Load more Attachment Details GoldenMussel1.jpg November 1, 2024 119 KB 660 by 495 pixels Edit Image Delete permanently Alt Text Four mussel shells in front of a clear ruler marked from one to five centimeters. Learn how to describe the purpose of the image(opens in a new tab). Leave empty if the image is purely decorative.Title GoldenMussel1 Caption A close-up image shows golden mussels recently discovered in California. 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Invasive golden mussels found in Port of Stockton, threaten water systems across the Delta

by Chris Woodyard • Stocktonia Nov. 1, 2024, 8:37 a.m.April 23, 2026, 2:47 p.m.

Close-up of a rodent's face with large orange teeth and long white whiskers.

Invasive nutria species spreads further into Delta communities

by Chris Woodyard • Stocktonia Oct. 26, 2024, 7:30 a.m.April 23, 2026, 2:47 p.m.