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Invasive (freshwater mussel) detected in California

Nov. 5, 2024

On Nov 1 2024, the Coast Guard Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance was notified by the State of California on the detection and identification of golden mussel (Limnoperna Fortunie) in the Port of Stockton.  The Golden Mussels are similar in appearance, biology, and impacts to the quagga and zebra mussel, posing a future threat to infrastructure and water quality. 

Golden mussels are native to rivers and creeks of China and Southeast Asia. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is disseminating detection and response information as it becomes available.  If unmanaged, water intakes and outflows could be affected from land or water side along with a diminished water quality in the region. Golden mussels have larvae that can be transferred in ballast water with a potential for hull biofouling as another vector. 

To minimize the spread of the golden mussel it is recommended that operators continue to ensure that ballast water management systems are operational and used in accordance with the Operational Manual for that system.  Operators should ensure that the vessel Biofouling Management Plan is being followed. Additionally, operations should follow 33 CFR 121.2050 to assist in reducing the spread of golden mussels.

 What You Can Do

In response to this ongoing environmental threat and the potential for ship-borne spread, the Coast Guard urges vessel owners and operators to familiarize themselves with existing ballast water requirements [USCG: 33 CFR Part 151 and 46 CFR Part 162.060; EPA: 2013 Vessel General Permit (VGP), as codified by the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act)] and ballast water management recommendations in MSIB 07-19 (although these are identified for Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, the best practices still apply). We also encourage vessel owners and operators to familiarize themselves with biofouling management and cleaning regulations and recommended practices (e.g., 33 CFR Part 151.2050;  EPA 2013 VGP Sec. 2.2.23).

Questions concerning this blog post should be directed to CGCVC@uscg.mil.

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This blog is not a replacement or substitute for the formal posting of regulations and updates or existing processes for receiving formal feedback of the same. Links provided on this blog will direct the reader to official publications, such as the Federal Register, Homeport and the Code of Federal Regulations. These publications remain the official source for regulatory information published by the Coast Guard.