The Division of Boating and Waterways and its partners invite everyone accessing California’s waterways to learn how to prevent the further spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) into uninfected waterways. Starting next month, AIS experts from the division, California Coastal Commission, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife will be holding free workshops to help the public learn how they can recognize AIS in their region and how to take action to prevent it from spreading. Workshops are free, but space is limited and pre-registration is required.
Aquatic invasive species such as quagga and zebra mussels, water hyacinth and Brazilian waterweed pose threats to California’s water delivery systems, hydroelectric facilities, agriculture, boating, fishing and the environment. For example, quagga and zebra mussels are invasive freshwater mussels native to Europe and Asia. They multiply quickly, encrust watercraft and infrastructure, alter water quality and the aquatic food web and ultimately impact native and sport fish communities. These mussels spread from one waterbody to another by attaching to watercraft, equipment and nearly anything that has been in an infested waterbody.
Invisible to the naked eye, microscopic juveniles are spread from infested waterbodies by water that is entrapped in boat engines, bilges, live-wells and buckets.
The public is invited to attend one of the following workshops:
Davis – Wednesday, March 27
Register by March 25
Time: 8:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Location: Yolo Bypass Reserve- 45211 County Rd 32B (Chiles Rd), Davis, CA 95618
Alameda – Tuesday, April 30
Register by April 26
Time: 8:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Location: Encinal Yacht Club – 980 Fernside Blvd, Alameda, CA 94501
Monterey – Tuesday, May 7
Register by May 3
Time: 8:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Location: Mott Training Center- 837 Asilomar Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
(Madrone Room)
To register, please contact Boating Clean and Green’s Program Coordinator Vivian Matuk via email at [email protected] or call (415) 904-6905. The directions to the workshops are included with confirmation of the registration. Free parking is available at the workshop sites. Lunch will not be provided.
The AIS workshops are part of the California’s Boating Green and Clean Program. The program is an education and outreach program conducted through the Division of Boating and Waterways and the California Coastal Commission. Staff and volunteers promote environmentally sound boating practices to marine businesses and boaters. For more information, please visit www.BoatingCleanAndGreen.com.
