A routine inspection at a Folsom boat decontamination site turned into an important piece of good news for California waterways.
Crews stopped a boat covered in invasive golden mussels before it could reach Folsom Lake, according to KCRA. The interception demonstrated how a single checkpoint can help protect a lake many local residents depend on for recreation and water access.
Here's what to know
Golden mussels can quickly cause major damage to aquatic ecosystems and water infrastructure.
Before a boat can enter Folsom Lake, it must undergo decontamination and tagging. During that required process at Mello Marine in Folsom, staff found mussels on one vessel and kept it from reaching the lake.
Mello Marine owner Sally Mello told KCRA her team has completed roughly 6,000 boat decontaminations, and this was the first time they had encountered golden mussels.
"You can see them underneath here," Mello noted. "But as you closer examine it, there's mussels all over the bottom of the boat."
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According to KCRA, golden mussels have been detected as far north as West Sacramento. If a contaminated vessel is moved from one waterway to another, the invasive species can spread with it.
More background
Invasive species often spread quietly, hitching rides on boats and equipment before communities realize they have arrived. In this case, the system worked before Folsom Lake was exposed.
The inspection prevented even more potential carnage, as Mello indicated to KCRA that the boat would make its way farther north to Oregon after the lake visit.
"Imagine, again, if this boat went to Oregon and now just gets put in the Oregon waters and now it's north of where it is now," Mello remarked.
Lakes and reservoirs support local economies, outdoor recreation, and public resources that communities rely on. When species are introduced to new ecosystems, whether unintentionally or on purpose, it can threaten activities such as boating and fishing, as well as broader health of the surrounding environment.
Stopping a single infested boat will not solve the broader invasive-species problem, but it can slow the spread and buy valuable time for agencies and communities working to protect vulnerable waters.
What's being done?
KCRA reported that the boat must undergo decontamination and remain out of the water for a 30-day quarantine before it can return.
State wildlife officials have also been notified. According to the station, the Department of Fish and Wildlife is expected to inspect the vessel.
By bringing the boat in for its required inspection and tagging, the owner was following the established process.
"We're trying to keep it off Folsom Lake," Mello declared to KCRA. "It's not there yet. If it gets there, it's going to be a problem."
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