A flotilla of boats cruising the San Joaquin River Friday gave nearly 90 scientists, water management officials and leaders from 19 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces a closer look at the threat posed by golden mussels. The Western Regional Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species ended its annual meeting with the tour embarking from Stockton. The group got a firsthand look at the mussels’ impacts in San Joaquin County, including how the species clings to boats, water pumps, pipes and other infrastructure. … Meanwhile, elected officials from San Joaquin County were in Washington, D.C., this week in part to drum up more federal support for the golden mussel problem.

Other invasive species news:

• Lodi News-Sentinel (Calif.): San Joaquin County takes proactive approach to golden mussel invasion