STOCKTON – An invasive species in the San Joaquin County Delta is putting water officials on high alert.
Despite its name, the golden mussel isn’t native to the Golden State, but instead to Southeast Asia. Now, some lake boat ramps and launches are closed, to try and keep the invasive species at bay.
The mussels were first detected upstream on the San Joaquin Delta back in October .
Officials say it likely got here from an international shipment into the port, and it’s the first time this species has been found in North America.
Underneath the ripples and waves of the San Joaquin Delta, the invasive species is threatening the surrounding wildlife.
Jeff Wingfield has been with the Port of Stockton for 20 years. He knows how the port operates, but also how precious the wildlife is around the area.
“I mean the delta is a fragile ecosystem. Really can’t take another blow,” he said.
“The alert level is fairly high, it’s concerning,” said Steve Gonzalez with California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife.