Quagga & Zebra Mussels

• About Resources Vessel Restrictions

  Quagga and Zebra mussels pose a serious threat to our waters and fisheries. The spread of these mussels threatens recreational boating and fishing, aquatic ecosystems and fisheries, water delivery systems, hydroelectric facilities, agriculture and the environment in general. As a means to stop the spread of these harmful invasive mussels, California is asking boaters to clean, drain and dry their boats!
  
  Boaters should be prepared for inspections throughout the state designed to help ensure California's water bodies remain mussel-free. Properly cleaning and drying can help protect boats and help boaters avoid quarantines or being turned away from a water destination. In addition to being sure to clean, drain and dry watercraft, the Department of Boating and Waterways urges boaters to plan for possible launch restrictions and inspections by calling water bodies before leaving home. Programs and requirements vary and can change rapidly.

  The information below is provided as a courtesy by the State of California. For further information on the Quagga and Zebra mussels incident, please visit the Department of Fish and Wildlife's Web site, www.dfg.ca.gov/invasives/quaggamussel/.

  Please click on the Vessel Restrictions tab above for information on California waterways with vessel restrictions to stop the spread of mussels.

  
  

  • Boating Clean Guide
  • Boat Cleaning Guide Book
  • DBW’s Quagga Card
  • DBW’s Quagga FAQ
  • DFW's Quagga/Zebra Mussel Project Overview Presentation (PDF)
  • Fact Sheet (PDF)
    
  • Fish and Wildlife Code 2300-2: Aquatic Invasive Species
  • Invasive Mussel Guidebook for Recreational Water Managers and Users (PDF)
  • Known Quagga & Zebra Mussels Locations in California
  • More Quagga & Zebra Mussel Information
    
  • Watercraft Inspection Programs in California Contact Information (PDF)
  • What boaters can do to help (PDF)

  
  

  For publications or more information on these invasive species, contact the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

  

  Crowley Lake

  • RESTRICTION: All boats will be thoroughly inspected.
  • All boat owners are required to fill out a written questionnaire concerning the past use of the boat. Download a questionnaire to fill out at the following link: http://www.ladwp.com/ladwp/cms/ladwp010523.pdf
  • All boats and trailers must be clean and dry or they will be denied access.
  • All drain plugs must be pulled or opened prior to boat transport that day.
  • All vehicles towing boats will be required to have a visible Inspection Certification during boat launching at Crowley Lake.
  • Wakeboard and ski boats with ballast tanks or "Fat Sacs™" must demonstrate these tanks are dry prior to entry.

  
  

  East Bay Municipal Utilities District
  Reservoirs: Camanche, Pardee, San Pablo, Lafayette

  • Boaters from certain regions considered to be at high risk for quagga or zebra mussel infestations and those boaters who have recently had their boats in any identified high risk reservoirs will not be allowed to launch at EBMUD reservoirs.
  • Vessels are subject to physical inspection prior to launch and may be prohibited from launching due to identification of quagga or zebra mussels or other invasive species; uncleanly conditions; or standing water in the bilge, wet well or other areas.
  • For complete up-to-date information, call 1-866-403-2683 or visit EBMUD’s website at http://www.ebmud.com/recreation/quaggazebra-mussel-prevention-program.

  
  

  Lake Cachuma

  • All privately owned boats will be inspected. 
  • Boats must have a dry bilge, dry wet well and clean undersides.
  • Live bait will be limited to night crawlers.
  • Copy of the survey will be kept on file for each boater. 
  • Frequent boaters will be given an abbreviated interview. 
  • For more information contact County of Santa Barbara Parks Department at (805) 568-2461.

  
  

  Lake Castias

  • Restricts outside boats, including canoes, kayaks and float tubes from entering the Lake Casitas Recreation Area.  Those vessels not currently stored or moored at the recreation area are exempted.
  • The restriction was adopted on March 4, 2008 by the Casitas Municipal Water District (CMWD) and will be effective for one year. 
  • Local boaters are allowed after inspection and a 10-day quarantine of the vessel and trailer. 
  • CMWD will allow outside boats to exclusively use Lake Casitas.  Boats that want to participate in this program are urged to reserve their place on a waiting list by calling (805) 649-2233, ext. 7.  Park staff will begin scheduling boat inspections with those on the list.
  • The new program relies on locks and tags that are designed to ensure boats are not used at any other lake.  There will be a onetime $50 charge to cover the cost of the lock and tag.  Boats will be locked to a trailer, which can then be stored at a boater’s home or at Lake Casitas.  Boaters will be able to use the lake as often as they like after their boat goes through the initial clean and dry inspection and a 10-day quarantine period.  Once a boater decides to use another lake they will need to start the process all over again. 
  • For more information call (805) 649-2233, ext. 103

  
  

  Lake County, includes Clear Lake

  • Mandatory inspection of any water vessel prior to launching in a Lake County water body.  Applies to all motorized and non-motorized vessels and trailers. 
  • All vessels are required to obtain an inspection sticker prior to launching. 
  • The disposal of live bait and any liquid that contains or has contained live bait into Lake County water is banned.
  • For more information, visit http://www.nomussels.com/.

  
  

  Lake Tahoe

  Effective June 1, 2009 motorized boats launching in Lake Tahoe will be charged for mandatory vessel inspections. Click here for further details: Tahoe Boat Inspections

  Prohibition:
  Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Code 79.3.A. The transport or introduction of aquatic invasive species into the Lake Tahoe Region is prohibited.  Further, it is prohibited to launch any watercraft into the waters of the Lake Tahoe Region, including Fallen Leaf and Cascade lakes, that are contaminated with aquatic invasive species.

  Lake Tahoe Hotline:  Please call 1-888-824-6267 to get more information about inspections, decontamination or to report any sightings of zebra or quagga mussels.  You can also visit one of the following websites for more information:

  CarsonNOW.org: Memorial Day boaters at Lake Tahoe reminded to clean, drain and dry

  Inspection Fact Sheet

  Tahoe Regional Planning Agency: www.trpa.org

  Tahoe Resource Conservation District: http://www.tahoercd.org/index.php/ISP

  
  

  Santa Clara County Parks

  • Watercraft coming from San Benito County and all counties south of the Tehachapi Mountains will be denied entry as will vessels from out of state.
  • A $7.00 inspection fee will be collected per inspection.  An annual vessel inspection pass of $35 will also be offered. 
  • Current vessel registration documents are required at the time of inspection. 
  • Vessel owners will be required to have their vessels decontaminated using hot water treatment or they will not be permitted to launch. 
  • A “banding” program will be offered for convenience to the vessel owner. Once a vessel has left the reservoir for the day, a plastic band may be attached to the vessel between the winch hook of the trailer and the eyeball of the boa of the vessel.  If this band is broken upon reentry into the reservoir, that vessel will be re-inspected before entering the water and an inspection fee will be collected.  If any vessels are found to have water in the bilge or live well, or are not clean, they will not be allowed to launch. 
  • For more information, visit www.parkhere.org or call (408) 355-2201.

  
  

  *** Please note that this list is provided as a courtesy by the State of California. Waterway restrictions may change and there may be vessel inspection details not provided in this summary. We urge boaters, before traveling, to contact local law enforcement in question to obtain current and accurate information on any restrictions that may be in place. ***