If not managed properly, invasive species in California could further harm local ecology, damage infrastructure and impact economic activity, state officials and experts said during a virtual briefing Thursday. The golden mussel and the glassy-winged sharpshooter were among invasive species discussed in the briefing by representatives from the California Natural Resources Agency, Department of Water Resources, Department of Food and Agriculture, and the Department of Pesticide Regulation. Golden mussels are an invasive freshwater species of mussel, originally from Southeast Asia. The species was first detected in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in October 2024, and authorities do not know how they arrived in California, said Kristopher Jones, an assistant manager at the California Department of Water Resources. 

Other invasive species news:

• State Affairs: California battles costly invasive pests at state border