Golden mussels may be small, but experts say they could create major problems for California’s water systems, prompting urgent warnings to local water agencies across Kern County. … Local water agencies, engineers, and industry leaders gathered on Wednesday to learn more about the invasive species and possible mitigation efforts. Experts say the mussels were first discovered in California’s Delta in 2024 and are believed to have arrived from Asia on ships. They say the species reproduces quickly. … Experts say preventing the spread of golden mussels will also depend on the public, especially boaters, by making sure boats and equipment are properly cleaned, drained, and dried before entering another waterway.

Other invasive species news:

• NBC4 (Los Angeles): Boat inspections for invasive species underway around the Lake Tahoe Basin
• The Denver Gazette (Colo.): Zebra mussels have “infested” six bodies of water in Colorado, sampling efforts resume
• KREX (Grand Junction, Colo.): Colorado River zebra mussel sampling to increase in 2026