{"id":294320,"date":"2026-05-01T04:02:14","date_gmt":"2026-05-01T04:02:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/294320\/"},"modified":"2026-05-01T04:02:14","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T04:02:14","slug":"local-state-of-emergency-declared-in-california-over-invasive-species-threat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/294320\/","title":{"rendered":"Local state of emergency declared in California over invasive species threat"},"content":{"rendered":"

SAN JOAQUIN, Calif. – A state of emergency was declared in San Joaquin County<\/a> over concerns about a fast-spreading invasive species plaguing California\u2019s<\/a> waterways.<\/p>\n

California Quarantines Boats In 2 Lakes To Protect Fisheries, Water Supply From Invasive Mussel<\/a><\/p>\n

The San Joaquin<\/a> County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to issue a local emergency in response to the threat posed by the golden mussels<\/a> in the San Joaquin Delta.<\/p>\n

“The Delta is central to San Joaquin County\u2019s identity, and with more than two-thirds of the Delta within our county, protecting it must remain a top priority,” Paul Canepa, a member of the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors, said.<\/p>\n

\"Mussels<\/p>\n

Mussels hang off the grow-line at Catalina Sea Ranch off San Pedro, CA.<\/p>\n

(Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Officials warn that this is an immediate threat as the species<\/a> can rapidly colonize surfaces, clog pipelines, restrict water flows and disrupt natural habitats.<\/p>\n

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Local leaders are now urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to expand resources and coordination statewide, saying the sea animals are posing\u00a0serious risks to water conveyance systems, flood <\/a>control infrastructure, agriculture<\/a>, recreation<\/a> and the Delta\u2019s ecosystem.<\/p>\n

“We appreciate the state\u2019s partnership, but prevention alone is not enough where this species is already established,” Canepa said. “This declaration should serve as a warning across California that we need targeted solutions for the Delta and a serious conversation about mitigation.”<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A view of the mussels in the ocean.<\/p>\n

On Wednesday, a spokesperson for the governor\u2019s office told Fox News affiliate Ktxl-tv<\/a> that the administration recognizes the urgency facing San Joaquin County and is “focused on deploying every available resource” effectively to combat the invasive species.<\/p>\n

“The current challenge requires sustained commitment rather than short-term emergency measures,” spokesperson Anthony Martinez said in an emailed statement to KTXL-TV.<\/p>\n

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“The scale, complexity and regional nature of this threat exceed the capacity of San Joaquin County to effectively respond without additional state and federal support, particularly in safeguarding critical infrastructure<\/a> and maintaining water supply reliability,” the statement continues.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A man holds a handful of mussels.<\/p>\n

According to the California<\/a> Department of Fish and Wildlife<\/a>, golden mussels, also known as\u00a0Limnoperna fortunei, were first detected in North America in 2024 and have since spread across California.<\/p>\n

Although the species is similar to quagga and zebra mussels, golden mussels can thrive in waters with a wider range of temperatures<\/a> and salinity levels. This allows them to spread rapidly across various environments<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A view of mussels in the water.<\/p>\n

Officials say the species not only poses a serious risk to the ecosystem,\u00a0but could also have significant economic impacts, including costly repairs and maintenance of boats, infrastructure and hydroelectric facilities.<\/p>\n

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The San Joaquin County<\/a> Board of Supervisors said the local emergency declaration will also help protect boating access, fishing, public infrastructure, farms and freshwater systems throughout the region.<\/p>\n

“Golden mussels affect far more than recreational boating,” District 1 Supervisor Mario Gardea said. “They threaten agriculture and critical local infrastructure, increase flood<\/a> risks and could bring major mitigation costs that taxpayers may ultimately bear. That is why we need urgent action and strong regional coordination now.”<\/p>\n

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