Golden Mussel Veligers Detected in Quail Lake
Golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) veligers have been detected in Quail Lake, Los Angeles County, following testing of plankton samples collected by California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).
On June 9, DWR detected golden mussel veligers in plankton tow samples that were collected at the Quail Lake outlet location on June 3 and analyzed with cross-polarized light microscopy (CPLM). The veligers were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis as golden mussel.
On June 16, CDFW’s Invasive Species Program (ISP) detected 12 veligers using CPLM in plankton tow samples collected at the inlet and outlet of Quail Lake on May 8 and May 29. The veligers were confirmed by PCR analysis and DNA sequencing as golden mussels.
Quail Lake, part of the State Water Project’s West Branch, only allows shoreline fishing and no boating. The lake is located downstream of Check 24, previously the southern-most sighting of golden mussel.
Water from Quail Lake is released via the Lower Quail Canal, passes through the Warne Powerplant, and flows to Pyramid Lake. Water from Pyramid Lake flows into Elderberry Forebay, and Castaic Lake, which is the terminus of the West Branch. Water from Castaic Lake flows into Castaic Lagoon, Castaic Creek, and the Santa Clara River. Pyramid Lake also releases water to Middle Piru Creek which flows to Lake Piru, Lower Piru Creek, and Santa Clara River. Quagga mussels have been detected in Pyramid Lake and downstream waters.
In response to the detection of golden mussel in California waterways, the state of California has developed a comprehensive Golden Mussel Response Framework (PDF) to address this invasive species threat. DWR, in coordination with partner agencies, has implemented regular inspections and maintenance at State Water Project facilities to minimize the effects of golden mussels. The discovery of golden mussels poses no imminent impacts to water quality or DWR’s ability to deliver water to 27 million Californians. DWR continues to work diligently to implement protective measures to minimize the spread of this invasive species, prevent the fouling of equipment, and maintain operational capacity.
For specific questions about DWR’s response, contact Maggie Macias, DWR Information Officer, at (916) 902-7405. For questions regarding CDFW’s response, contact CDFW’s hotline at (866) 440-9530.