Golden mussels, an invasive aquatic species, have now been discovered in and around the Port of West Sacramento, marking the northernmost detection of the species in California. State officials say the mussels were first found at the Port of Stockton in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in 2024 and have since spread farther north. Several golden mussels were confirmed at multiple locations around the port, as well as on docks at Washington Lake in Yolo County. Experts believe the new infestation likely originated from an established nearby population. Golden mussels pose a serious threat to California’s waterways because they reproduce rapidly, damage infrastructure, clog water intake systems, and disrupt native aquatic ecosystems. Officials are urging boaters, anglers, and others using local waterways to help prevent their spread by cleaning, draining, and drying boats and equipment. The mussels can easily attach to boats, ropes, trailers, docks, and aquatic vegetation before being transported elsewhere.
