Changes made in response to appearance of invasive golden mussel in the Delta
OAKLAND, CALIF. – The East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) announces changes to its boat inspection and banding policies effective May 7, 2025, in response to increasing concerns about invasive mussel species.
EBRPD has long required watercraft inspections to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species into local lakes and reservoirs. To simplify re-entry for frequent visitors, park staff have used tamper-proof bands placed between the watercraft and trailer when the boat leaves the lake. These bands serve as proof that the vessel hadn’t launched in other waters. Boats returning with an intact band have not required re-inspection when entering any lake in the Park District or the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD).
What’s new for summer 2025 is that EBRPD’s banding program is transitioning to color-coded, lake-specific bands and is no longer accepting EBMUD bands, effective May 7. Watercraft returning to the same EBRPD lake or reservoir with an intact lake-specific band and a copy of the prior inspection form will receive an abbreviated inspection and will not be subject to another inspection fee. Entrance and launching fees still apply. Boats without a band for that specific waterbody will require a full inspection before each launch and pay the inspection fee again. Boaters coming from a different waterbody should plan on additional time needed for re-inspections.
The inspection process for car-top watercraft such as kayaks, canoes, and inflatables has not changed. These types of watercraft are inspected each time they enter a lake, but the inspection fee is only charged once every 30 days. The owner must provide a copy of the initial inspection form, with the receipt dated within the previous 30-day period.
The policy change is in response to the detection of the highly invasive golden mussel in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta at the Port of Stockton in October 2024. This discovery is the first known occurrence of golden mussels in North America and is believed to have been introduced by a ship traveling from an international port, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The species is native to rivers and creeks in coastal Asia and parts of South America. Currently, golden mussels have not been detected in EBRPD-managed waters.
The golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) is an invasive, non-native freshwater/brackish water bivalve that poses a threat to natural ecosystems and water quality throughout California and beyond. The golden mussel is similar to the quagga (Dreissena bugensis) and zebra (Dreissena polymorpha) mussels. The golden mussel can thrive in waters with much lower calcium levels and, thus, puts local water sources at higher risk of invasion.
“Fortunately, golden mussels have not been detected in Park District-managed waters,” said Matt Graul, EBRPD Stewardship Division Lead. “We want to keep it that way. Boat inspections and banding are critical tools in protecting our waterbodies from invasive species that can devastate delicate aquatic ecosystems. By preventing the spread of mussels and other non-native organisms, we’re helping to preserve water quality, native wildlife, and recreational access for generations to come. We are committed to allowing recreational boating while taking appropriate precautions. Additional measures may be required if the situation changes.”
Inspection fees are $7 for motorized vessels, $4 for car-tops or inflatables. Inspection fees partially offset the cost of the inspection program. For tips on passing inspections, visit ebparks.org/mussels.
“native to China”
Who pays the tariff on that sumb….?