In this November 2024 photo, golden mussels are found during surveys at O’Neill Forebay in Merced County. The invasive mollusks could clog irrigation pipes used by farmers. Photo/Courtesy of California State Parks
February 9, 2026 – By Vicky Boyd – Since the non-native golden mussel was first discovered in October 2024 in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the potentially pipe-clogging mollusk has spread as far south as Riverside County.
Invasive pest management experts acknowledge eradication is likely impossible. They say the goal now should be to protect noninfested water bodies from mussel introductions. But it won’t be easy…