California Water News Daily Your Source For Water News in California
Quagga mussels have been discovered at Castaic Lake. In response, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) will begin implementing additional boating requirements to prevent their spread.
DWR will be requiring boats be inspected and drained upon leaving Castaic Lake and Castaic Lagoon.
Quagga mussels, which are small, non-native freshwater mollusks, can be a threat to California’s native species and clog water systems, colonize hard surfaces, alter food webs in ecosystems, and damage boat engines.
Boats departing Castaic Lake will receive a tag indicating they were last used in a waterbody containing mussels. Tags will allow entry of boats at Pyramid and Castaic lakes without having to be reinspected since both lakes are classified as infested with quagga mussels. After boating in an infested lake, boat owners may experience restrictions or extended dry out periods before visiting another waterbody. Boaters are advised to contact the waterbody destination to be informed of any inspection requirements before their arrival.
Transportation or possession of live or dead quagga mussels, including water that may contain their microscopic larvae, is a violation of Fish and Game Code 2301 and CDFW has authority to take enforcement action.
For additional boat cleaning guidelines, go to A Guide to Cleaning Boats (ca.gov) or DWR’s Quagga Mussels: Clean, Drain, and Dry video.
