• New legislation aims to prevent mussels from spreading.
• Watercraft inspections and quarantines tighten protections.
• Ecosystems and infrastructure at risk, urgent action underway.

December 9, 2024 — On December 3, House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse introduced the Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act, a bill designed to combat the surge of harmful aquatic species—especially zebra and golden mussels—threatening Western waterways. At the same time, federal agencies and local officials are taking immediate steps to tighten regulations on boat access, sharpen watercraft inspection protocols, and bolster partnerships across agencies. As scientists track the spread of these mussels into new regions, lawmakers and land managers are uniting to preserve vital water supplies, safeguard infrastructure, and protect delicate ecosystems.

Legislation to Strengthen Protections.

Assistant Leader Neguse’s legislation, co-led in the Senate by Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Steve Daines (R-MO), focuses on strengthening prevention measures. In particular, the bill seeks to allow the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to partner more effectively with state and local entities, funding watercraft inspection and decontamination stations to intercept and eradicate mussels before they latch onto infrastructure and propagate. It further empowers all U.S. Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force agencies to ramp up data sharing and enforcement activities.

“As invasive species are costly and pose significant threats to our ecosystems,” said Assistant Leader Neguse in announcing the bill, “I am proud to work alongside Senator Bennet on the Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act to help protect waters in Colorado and across the Rocky Mountain West.” Senator Bennet added, “We have to do everything we can to protect our rivers, lakes, and waterways … saving money for taxpayers and ensuring the health of our ecosystems.”

Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, welcomed the move: “With the discovery of zebra mussel veligers in the Colorado River … Representative Neguse’s legislation is needed now more than ever.”

Bill Tracking:

• H.R.10234 – Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act of 2024.
• S.2105 – Stop the Spread of Invasive Mussels Act of 2023.

New Melones Lake: Golden Mussels Gain Foothold.

While lawmakers push for a long-term approach, resource managers are already taking short-term emergency measures. On December 6, the Bureau of Reclamation announced that effective December 7, boat launching at New Melones Lake in California would be temporarily suspended. The reason is the alarming spread of golden mussels—recently identified in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta—their first known foothold in North America. These invasive mussels can swiftly clog pipes, damage aquatic ecosystems, and harm drinking water quality.

In response, officials at New Melones Lake are developing a new inspection protocol. Until it’s finalized, boating visitors can participate in a quarantine seal program, which aims to prevent the accidental transport of mussels to new bodies of water. This involves attaching a seal to a boat and trailer and undergoing a 30-day waiting period before launching. Non-motorized watercraft, such as kayaks and paddleboards, may also be inspected. While the boat restrictions are frustrating for some, alternative recreational activities like hiking and biking remain open.

The Rapid Spread of Invasive Mussels.

Legislation combined with federal agency actions recognizes that proactive measures are cheaper and more effective than costly cleanups later in dealing with invasive species.

The rapid spread of invasive mussels highlights the interconnected nature of Western water systems. Zebra and golden mussels spread through tiny larvae clinging to boats, moving from one basin to another. Once established, they multiply rapidly, out-competing native species and pushing ecosystems off balance. Left unchecked, these infestations lead to clogged water delivery pipes, degraded water quality, and higher maintenance costs for municipalities and agricultural operations.

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Image:

Aerial view of New Melones Lake and Angels Camp in December 2023, by Pi.1415926535.  Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

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