golden mussels Archives - Stocktonia News

A cluster of dark brown mussels held by gloved hands.

San Joaquin County declares local emergency over invasive golden mussels

by Chris Woodyard • Stocktonia April 29, 2026, 6:00 a.m.April 28, 2026, 3:30 p.m.

From their discovery in Stockton in 2024, golden mussels have spread throughout state waterways, causing millions of dollars in damage.

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.April 21, 2026, 9:02 a.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.

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

Invasive golden mussels first found in Stockton may bring action from Congress

by Chris Woodyard • Stocktonia June 5, 2025, 9:39 a.m.April 23, 2026, 2:32 p.m.

Mussels measured with a digital caliper reading 27.64 mm on a yellow surface.

Camanche Reservoir bans private boats, kayaks to prevent golden mussel invasion

by Chris Woodyard • Stocktonia May 28, 2025, 9:50 a.m.April 23, 2026, 2:32 p.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.Jan. 2, 2025, 7:30 a.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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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.