Due to the recent discovery of an invasive mussel species in Castaic Lake, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has implemented updated boating protocols to prevent further population growth.
Quagga mussels, an invasive species known for altering the food web by filtering water, removing plankton and clogging water-intake pipes, had been identified in Castaic Lake in August, prompting new boating protocols to prevent further spread of the species.
On Aug. 17, the DWR and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) discovered two quagga mussel shells at Castaic Lake, not long after a visitor reported finding a live mussel in the water, according to the DWR officials.
“Adult quagga mussels were discovered in Castaic Lake in Los Angeles County in August 2021,” said Program Manager Martha Volkoff at the CDFW. “This detection is a reminder of how important it is to clean, drain, and dry your watercraft and equipment after every use to avoid spreading invasive species and help conserve California’s irreplaceable plant, fish and wildlife resources.”
Routine monitoring of Castaic Lake has not yet detected larva “veliger” stage mussels as of Wednesday, Sept. 1, but the DWR is expected to increase monitoring in the Lagoon and Castaic Creek to investigate the issue, according to officials.
“With no controls, (quagga mussels) spread rapidly, foul boats and equipment, clog water intake and increase costs to hydropower operations and municipal water utilities,” read a statement from the National Invasive Species Information Center (NISIC).
The mussels have been known to block boat engines and cause overheating, increase the drag on the bottom of a boat, or jam a boat’s steering equipment, according to officials.
See Related: California Department Of Water Resources Urges Caution During Castaic Dam Modernization In Santa Clarita
Just five years ago, quagga mussels were identified in Pyramid Lake, just upstream from Castaic Lake. During the initial discovery, officials worried the mussels may eventually travel downstream, but the official pathway of introduction into Castaic Lake remains unknown as of Tuesday.
“Unfortunately, there are no foolproof existing technologies or treatments to eradicate established mussel populations in large, open water systems in an environmentally sound manner,” read a statement from the NISIC. “Early warning, however, helps us prepare before the mussels or other invasive species arrive.”
To prevent further spread, officials with the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation are expected to begin inspecting and draining all boats on departure, according to officials.
All boats able to ensure all drain plugs are pulled, ballast tanks are pumped, bait buckets are emptied and live wells are drained are able to depart and are expected to receive a tag indicating that their vehicle was recently in a body of water with mussels, according to the DWR.
As California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways revise its rules to meet federal requirements, boats and vessels in California are authorized to display a mussel sticker if operating in freshwaters. Failure to properly display the sticker may result in denial of access or citation, according to DWR.
Customers are encouraged to buy the sticker online here as stickers purchased via telephone, mail or third-party vendors are no longer accepted.
Transportation or possession of live or dead quagga mussels, including water containing microscopic larvae, is a Fish and Game Code violation and the CDFW has the ability to take enforcement action, according to the CDFW.
For additional boat cleaning guidelines, click here or watch the DWR’s video.
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