Dreaded mollusk discovered in California for first time (zebra mussel)

AP on Bakersfield Californian ^ | 1/15/08 | AP

[NormsRevenge]

State wildlife officials say a destructive species known as the zebra mussel has been discovered in California for the first time.

Department of Fish and Game spokeswoman Alexia Retallack says a fisherman found the mollusks while fishing in the San Justo Reservoir in San Benito County.

Lab tests conducted Monday confirmed that the creatures were zebra mussels, which are known to clog water pipes and boat engines and alter the chemistry of marine ecosystems.

State officials plan to conduct further surveys to determine the extent of the infestation and develop a plan to stop its spread.

They're asking fishermen and boaters to keep an eye out for zebra mussels and notify authorities if they find any.

[americanophile]

Not good. I know how much trouble they’ve caused in the Great Lakes.

[Inyo-Mono]

Nooooooooooooooooooo!!! First New Zealand mud snails, now this?

[NormsRevenge]

ever since that new Gub came in office,, more and more invasive species are being found , it seems. ;-)

[Inyo-Mono]

Yes, and the enviromentalists have infiltrated the DFG with a desire to end sport fishing.

[cmsgop]

I'm On Your Boat,Sucking On Your Hull !!!!!!

[ohiobuckeye1997]

Don’t knock the zebra mussel, this little thing has turned lake Erie around...in the 80’s I remember a dark brown murky lake now it is blue and nearly clear...people scuba dive with ease....the little filter feeders did a heck of a job...and still the fishing is great...

[the invisib1e hand]

oh, crap. we're in trouble now.

They'll probably become man-eating as global temperatures rise.

[Carry_Okie]

State officials plan to conduct further surveys to determine the extent of the infestation and develop a plan to stop its spread.

As opposed to ERADICATE IT?

Not only that, they didn't start with a quarantine of the lake. Ongoing "control" efforts are the nearest thing to full employment going.

[cripplecreek]

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

Your remark is right on. It’s like the peace “process.” You have a permanent process and no peace.

[I see my hands]

"Dreaded mollusk"

Yeah sure, dreaded. Just like Lake Erie dreaded them. The ore boats coped as does the lake infrastructure. The lake itself is healthy and has never looked better.

[Khepri]

That can’t possibly be true...everyone knows Huckabee left Michgan and went to SC....

[RouxStir]

Can ya eat ‘em?

[spanalot]

I happen to notice that only last month.

Is that true?

[RichInOC]

Per Wikipedia, apparently by crawfish, waterbirds, muskrats and some fish. But it sounds like they’re little guys, like fingernail-sized to two inches long, max.

[BallyBill]

In my area you can't even use your boat in places because they don't want them spreading from lake to lake.

Kill 'em, kill em all while you can.

[toddlintown]

Cook them up in a chardonnay and serve them in a bed of linguini and the next thing you know, the feds will step in and classify them as endangered.

[avacado]

WOW! That picture brings back memories. I use to work on a 265’ seismic ship and we’d come into dry dock once every so many years and that is how it looks in dry dock. Imagine walking under that thing knowing it’s only supported by a few braces. It’s one of the weirdest and most powerless feelings ever with all that tipped over weight above you.

Good pic! Thanks!

.

[MediaMole]

Just wait until you get the quagga mussel.

They kill all the zebra mussels, but they eat all the fish food and nothing likes eating them.