The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors this week proclaimed a local emergency about the invasive golden mussel and its impacts on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
The board at its meeting Tuesday made the declaration, which called on county staff to coordinate with local, state and federal partners to pursue funding, technical assistance and other resources to address the problem.
Golden mussels, which originated in Asia, have quickly spread through the state since first being identified in the Delta in 2024. The mussel is a freshwater species that inhabits shallow waters and hard surfaces, impeding water flow, clogging pipes and damaging equipment while also affecting native species.
California has emphasized a “Clean, Drain, Dry” campaign for local boaters to try to stop the spread of mussels or other invasive species, but county officials said additional action is needed.
“We appreciate the state’s partnership, but prevention alone is not enough where this species is already established,” Supervisor Paul Canepa said in a statement. “This declaration should serve as a warning across California that we need targeted solutions for the Delta and a serious conversation about mitigation.”
Supervisor Mario Gardea said, “Golden mussels affect far more than recreational boating. They threaten agriculture and critical local infrastructure, increase flood risks, and could bring major mitigation costs that taxpayers may ultimately bear.”
“Stockton is ground zero for this issue, and we must ask, what invasive species comes next? That is why we need urgent action and strong regional coordination now,” Gardea said.
The Board of Supervisors will review the status of the emergency at least every 60 days, as required by law.
