Invasive Mussel News

The following information is being sent on behalf of the Invasive Species Council and California Department of Food and Agriculture

SACRAMENTO, July 3, 2026 – The California Department of Food and Agriculture and the California Natural Resources Agency are seeking nominations for two qualified individuals to serve on the California Invasive Species Advisory Committee (CISAC).

The CISAC is tasked with providing advice to the Invasive Species Council of California (ISCC) on a broad array of issues related to preventing the introduction of invasive species and providing for their control and/or eradication, as well as minimizing the economic, ecological, and human health impacts that invasive species cause. CISAC members should anticipate meeting at least once quarterly each year but may be required to meet more regularly in some circumstances.

The ISCC represents the highest level of leadership and authority in state government regarding invasive species. Its goal is to promote a consistent approach to invasive species at the state level. The ISCC is co-chaired by the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency. Other members include the secretaries from the following California agencies:

• Environmental Protection Agency
• State Transportation Agency
• Health and Human Services Agency
• Governor’s Office of Emergency Services

Prospective nominees of the CISAC should be knowledgeable in and represent one or more of the following communities of interest:

• Biology, Ranchers, Foresters, Farmers, Academics / Researchers, Public Health Specialists, Weed Science, Nematology, Veterinary Medicine, Industry Representatives, Educators, Tribal Government Representatives, Information / Database Managers, Economists, Risk Assessment Analysts, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Public Health / Epidemiology, Federal Government Representatives, County Agricultural Commissioner Representatives, Invasive Species Management Specialists, Persons involved with Global Commerce, Non-Governmental Environmental Representatives, Expertise in Climate Change and Ecosystems, Public Relations Specialists, Lawyers specializing in Invasive Species Policy, Public Member

Members will be selected in order to achieve a balanced representation of viewpoints, so to effectively address invasive species issues under consideration. Membership terms are three years, and no member may serve on the CISAC for more than two consecutive terms.

Members of the CISAC and its subcommittees will serve without pay. However, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services of the CISAC, members, to the extent funding is available, may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence.

Submitting Nominations:

Nominations should be typed and should include the following:

1. A brief summary of no more than two pages explaining the nominee’s suitability to serve on the CISAC.
2. A resume or curriculum vitae.
3. At least two letters of reference.

Nominations should be postmarked no later than Tuesday, July 28, 2026, to the following address:

Invasive Species Council of California
Executive Office
1220 N Street, Suite 221
Sacramento, California 95814

For additional information, visit the Invasive Species Council of California’s website at: www.iscc.ca.gov

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)'s Invasive Mussel Control Plan Guidance document is intended to provide guidance on developing an invasive mussel control plan (Control Plan) to public and private agencies that operate a water supply system where invasive mussels have been detected. The Control Plan Template (Appendix A) is offered as a tool to assist water supply system agencies, and others, in developing a Control Plan that complies with the requirements under Fish and Game Code Section 2301 and California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 672 and 672.1. Use of the template, while recommended, is not required for compliance.

The guidance is available on CDFW's Quagga/Zebra Mussel webpage under the heading Invasive Mussel Control Plan Development and on the Golden Mussel webpage under the heading Additional Information, Waterbody Managers.

CDFW staff are available to assist throughout the development of a Control Plan. Please contact the CDFW Invasive Mussel Regional Scientist (PDF) based on the CDFW Region where the water supply system is located. If the water supply system spans multiple CDFW regions contact invasive@wildlife.ca.gov for assistance.

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: 

• Online at Report Golden Mussel
• Via email to invasives@wildlife.ca.gov
• Via telephone to (866) 440-9530

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Media Contact:  
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120