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Committee asks Fish & Wildlife for plan after detection of invasive golden mussel; agency says task force formed
Summary
Senators asked the Department of Fish and Wildlife about a recently detected invasive freshwater bivalve (golden mussel). DFW officials said they have convened an interagency task force, are coordinating with partners and will follow up with details on funding and the possibility of repurposing quagga/zebra mussel funds to respond.
Senators asked the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) about a recent detection of the invasive “golden mussel” in California waterways and whether existing funding for quagga and zebra mussel prevention can be repurposed.
DFW fiscal and program staff said the department has created a task force to assess the infestation, coordinate with other state agencies and identify resources. The department indicated that some existing quagga/zebra mussel funds are grant‑specific and may not be automatically transferable; it said the department would examine whether grants could be amended or other funds could be redirected and would provide follow‑up information to the committee.
Why it matters: Invasive mussels can clog water infrastructure, damage aquatic ecosystems and raise significant control and remediation costs. Early detection and rapid, coordinated response can reduce long‑term costs and impacts.
Next steps: DFW said it will return with more details about the task force’s planned response, whether quagga/zebra mussel grant funds can be reallocated, and any requests for supplemental funding or statutory changes to aid response efforts.
