SACRAMENTO— Boaters are invited to learn about their role in combating aquatic invasive species at a seminar May 6 in Moss Landing.

The California Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW) and the California Coastal Commission’s Boating Clean and Green Program, California Department of Fish and Game (DFG), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Moss Landing Harbor District will host the event.

Aquatic invasive species like Quagga and Zebra mussels pose a serious threat to water delivery systems, hydroelectric facilities, agriculture, recreational boating and fishing, and the ecosystem. It is important for boaters to learn how to inspect their watercraft and fishing gear to prevent the spread of these species into California’s waterways. Boaters are the primary transporters of these invasive species into uninfected waterways.

Presenters include DBW Aquatic Weed Control Program Manager Marcia Carlock, DFG Environmental Scientist Mark Watson; USFWS Invasive Species Watershed Coordinator Ron Smith, UCCE Sea Grant Extension Program Marine Advisors Dr. Carolynn (Carrie) Culver and Leigh Taylor Johnson, and the Boating Clean and Green Coordinator, Vivian Matuk.

The seminar begins at 8:45 a.m. at the Moss Landing Harbor District – 7881 Sandholdt Road in Moss Landing. It is free and open to the public; registration is required by May 1.

For questions on the seminar or to register, please contact Vivian Matuk at vmatuk@coastal.ca.gov or (415) 904-6905.

Dinghy Digest ®