Invasive Mussel Concerns Prompt Delta Boat Quarantine At Lake Berryessa

An invasive mussel that has become prevalent in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta has prompted the Bureau of Reclamation to subject boats to be quarantined for 30 days before entering the waters in popular boating and fishing spot Lake Berryessa pending an inspection.

Here’s more from the Sacramento Bee:

The larval microscopic mussels have been found in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and easily make their way into live wells, bilges and ballast tanks, the craft’s engine system, plumbing and other compartments onboard boats, said Solano County Water Agency officials.

“Any vessel wishing to launch sooner than the required 30-day quarantine period must have a hot-water decontamination performed by Solano County Water Agency trained and approved staff,” the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation said in a statement Monday.

The mussels can survive for extended periods of time in the water that collects in the craft’s systems, agency officials said, explaining the 30-day quarantine or decontamination requirement. Solano officials were asking boaters to clean, drain and dry their systems after each use.

This is the Bureau of Reclamation’s press release on the orders:

Lake Berryessa implements new protocols for boat launching

For Release: Nov 25, 2024

NAPA, Calif. – Effective immediately, Reclamation will require all boats launching at Lake Berryessa to participate in a seal program to prevent the spread of invasive mussels. All vessels wishing to launch at Lake Berryessa will be inspected. A red quarantine seal will be applied for 30 days during, which the vessel will not be permitted to launch. Vessels that have finished the 30-day quarantine may return to the lake and have the seal removed by authorized staff and will be allowed to launch.

Any vessel wishing to launch sooner than the required 30-day quarantine period must have a hot-water decontamination performed by Solano County Water Agency trained and approved staff. These vessels are allowed to launch immediately following decontamination. Should a vessel be decontaminated at another facility or by another entity, that decontamination will not be valid unless a seal is applied to the vessel.

Upon exit from the Lake, all vessels must have a seal attached by authorized staff to be allowed to freely launch at Lake Berryessa. Otherwise, the vessel will need to undergo another quarantine period or decontamination.

Hand launched watercraft with electric motors like fishing kayaks, require an inspection prior to launch. Non-motorized watercraft, such as kayaks and paddleboards, are not subject to inspection and are encouraged to be inspected for free at any launch ramp. All paddlers are encouraged to arrive clean, drained, and dry.

Reclamation, its partners, and its Concessioners are making these changes to prevent the spread of golden mussels. The invasive species was recently identified in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and is the first known occurrence of golden mussels in North America. The species pose a significant immediate threat to the ecological health of the Delta and all waters of the state, water conveyance systems, infrastructure, and water quality.

For questions about this new protocol and vessel decontamination, contact BOR-Berryessa@usbr.gov.