Tahoe inspectors intercept 10 boats with Golden Mussels

LAKE TAHOE (KOLO) - Boat inspectors at Lake Tahoe say they have intercepted 10 boats laden with the invasive Golden Mussels species this season.

Officials with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency say the 10 craft that were intercepted were a part of 5,200 inspections carried out this past boating season.

TRPA says the species of golden mussels are highly invasive and pose a danger to the Tahoe area.

The mussels were first detected in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in 2024 and prompted a strengthening of inspection standards in the area.

“Increasing golden mussel interceptions was not unexpected given the species’ rapid expansion in waters from San Diego to Sacramento, but the discoveries underscore the importance of continued vigilance,” Chris Kilian, aquatic invasive species program manager at Tahoe RCD, said. “Thankfully, our team of trained inspectors is dedicated and meticulous.”

They say that this year, 70% of all visiting boats arrived without issue, up from 60% in previous years.

“Arriving Clean, Drain, Dry is the most impactful action boaters can take to prevent the spread of invasive species,” Thomas Boos, aquatic invasive species prevention program manager at TRPA, said. “We are excited and grateful to see this continued shift in boater behavior. It will not only protect Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake, and Echo Lake from invasive golden mussels, but also waterways across the U.S.”