Spring 2025
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environmental impacts of golden mussel are mixed, context- and stakeholder-dependent; however, its impacts on human-made facilities and infrastructure are clearly always negative and costly.
Brett Baker, a water attorney with the Central Delta Water Agency and a sixth-generation resident on Sutter Island — and a former biology student of Moyle (the godfather so to speak of aquatic ecology and fisheries in California) isn’t fazed by the golden mussel’s appearance.
“I’ve heard alarms all my life about quagga mussels, zebra mussels, mitten crabs, and nutria,” he said. “I just don’t think there’s enough slack in the system, or enough niche space, particularly for a species that isn’t evolved to live here … I’m pretty sure we won’t be talking about the golden mussel in 20 years, but I could be wrong.”
While there are too many variables to make any predictions regarding the complex ecology of the California Delta – I can agree with Mr. Baker that quagga and zebra mussels were purported to be the demise of the entire ecosystem and while localized effects have been documented, ecosystem wide destruction has certainly not
occurred. However, the interconnectedness of the States water infrastructure, owners and operators of pumps, diversions, water treatment, power generation, etc. are all certainly nervous about the potential economic impacts to their facilities.
WHAT’S NEXT?
The current response, protocols and procedures remain dynamic. Keep up to date with the latest requirements by visiting the responsible agencies web pages and other digital news sources such as Westernbass.com. I am certain things will continue to evolve over the next six to 12 months.
As responsible resource stewards – it is our responsibility to do our due diligence in not spreading these non-native species around our great state. We are spoiled with diverse and incredibly productive and renowned bass fisheries, that we need to do our part to protect them.
We do not want the world to point fingers at bass fisherman for spreading these non-native species throughout the state. While I believe it is only a matter of time – let’s not be the ones responsible. Clean, drain and dry your boat, plan accordingly, get past this and fish on. •
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