Sally Mello Intercepts Invasive Golden Mussels on Boat at Folsom Lake Decontamination Site
Sally Mello, owner of Mello Marine, identified a boat covered in invasive golden mussels during a routine inspection at a decontamination site in Folsom. The mussels were discovered on the underside of a boat traveling from the Delta toward Oregon, preventing them from entering Folsom Lake and potentially spreading further north. Golden mussels are highly effective colonizers that can attach to hard surfaces and reproduce rapidly. They pose a significant threat to California's water infrastructure, potentially restricting water flow, reducing pumping efficiency, and increasing maintenance costs for utilities and agricultural systems. Because California's water systems are interconnected, the presence of these mussels can lead to rapid spread across reservoirs, canals, and irrigation networks. The Department of Fish and Wildlife has been notified and will inspect the boat this week. The vessel will be quarantined for 30 days before it is allowed back into the water. Mello emphasized the importance of regulations and inspections to prevent the spread of these voracious invaders before they become fully established in major water bodies.