Invasive Golden Mussels Spread Through California's Central Valley

The rapid expansion of the destructive mollusk threatens critical water infrastructure and ecosystems.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Golden mussels, an invasive species from East and Southeast Asia, have been detected in the Friant-Kern Canal, a vital irrigation aqueduct in California's Central Valley. The mussels, known to clog pipes and disrupt aquatic habitats, have spread rapidly through the state's waterways since first appearing in 2024. Water agencies are scrambling to develop mitigation strategies, but eradicating the mussels is proving challenging and costly.

Why it matters

The golden mussel invasion poses a significant threat to the Central Valley's water supply and agricultural productivity. The Friant-Kern Canal is a crucial piece of infrastructure that delivers water to millions of residents and farmland across Fresno, Tulare, and Kern counties. A widespread mussel infestation could severely disrupt water flow, damage equipment, and devastate the region's economy.

The details

Golden mussels were first detected in California in 2024 in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Since then, they have rapidly spread to several canals, lakes, and reservoirs, including the Friant-Kern Canal, a 152-mile gravity-fed aqueduct that transports water from the San Joaquin River. The mussels eat large amounts of the microscopic plant and animal matter that native aquatic species depend on, and they also latch onto and clog human water infrastructure, impeding water flow and necessitating costly removal efforts.

  • Golden mussels were first discovered in North America in 2024 in the Port of Stockton.
  • On January 13, 2026, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed the presence of golden mussels in the Friant-Kern Canal.

The players

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

The state agency responsible for managing California's natural resources, including monitoring and responding to invasive species like the golden mussel.

Friant Water Authority

The agency that manages the Friant-Kern Canal and is developing a control plan to mitigate the golden mussel infestation.

Edwin Camp

A Central Valley farmer who has observed a "huge population explosion" of golden mussels within his water district in less than a year.

Rhodesia Ransom

A California state Assemblymember who is working with agencies to develop legislation to help speed up decontamination protocols and stop the further spread of golden mussels.

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What they’re saying

“Within our water district we've seen in less than a year a huge population explosion of the Golden Mussel. It's a huge potential problem. It hasn't become a problem yet, but if we don't get them under control immediately this year, we're going to start seeing effects.”

— Edwin Camp, Central Valley farmer (KMPH-TV)

“I am working with state agencies on legislation that would help speed up decontamination protocols and stop further spread of the mussels.”

— Rhodesia Ransom, California Assemblymember (KMPH-TV)

What’s next

The Friant Water Authority is developing a new control plan to mitigate the golden mussel infestation, though funding is still needed to implement these efforts. Water officials are also concerned about a potential infestation at Millerton Lake, which feeds water to the entire Friant-Kern Canal.

The takeaway

The rapid spread of the invasive golden mussel through California's Central Valley waterways poses a significant threat to the region's critical water infrastructure and agricultural economy. Effective mitigation strategies will require coordinated efforts and substantial funding from state and local agencies to prevent further disruption and damage.