CDFW News | CDFW Confirms Northernmost Detection of Golden Mussel in Port of West Sacramento
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is notifying the public and officials with the city of West Sacramento and Yolo and Sacramento counties that invasive golden mussels have been found in and around the Port of West Sacramento.
This is the northernmost detection of golden mussel since the species was discovered in the Port of Stockton in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in 2024.
CDFW staff monitoring for golden mussel presence collected one mussel between the Jefferson Boulevard overpass and the west lock, and a second near the intersection of Boathouse Road and Stone Boulevard. The mussels were sent to CDFW’s genetics lab that confirmed on June 25 the specimens were golden mussel. Additional surveys around the docks in Washington Lake found additional mussels.
It is believed the golden mussels found in the Port of West Sacramento are from a source population within the vicinity. Golden mussels are harmful to aquatic ecosystems, water conveyance systems and water infrastructure.
Anyone boating or recreating on waterways around the Sacramento area, and throughout the Delta, should take precautions to stop the spread of golden mussel further upstream and overland on watercraft and equipment used in mussel-infested waters. Golden mussels attach to almost any underwater surface, including but not limited to boats, ropes, buoys and aquatic plants that entangle on anchors and trailers.
Clean, Drain, Dry — inspect your watercraft, kayak, life vests, paddles and anything that touched the water every time it is removed from a water body. Remove all debris, animals, and plants, and dispose of them in the trash. Drain all water from ballasts, bilges and live wells. Lastly, allow everything to dry until moisture is no longer present.
Through the continued efforts by boaters and others recreating on California’s waters, golden mussel can be prevented from spreading to waters not connected to the Delta.
Help CDFW monitor the state’s waters for golden mussel by reporting organisms suspected to be golden mussel to CDFW’s Invasive Species Program. Include the specific location of the observation, at least one clear close-up photograph of the organism and your contact information.
Submit reports via one of the following options:
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Media Contact:
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120