Latest news with #CharltonBonham
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Tiny Invader Sparks Big Alarm in California Waterways
California is scrambling to contain an invasive species never before seen in North America: the golden mussel. First detected in October 2024 in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the tiny mollusk, no larger than a paperclip, has now triggered a sweeping, statewide emergency response. State officials with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife unveiled a Golden Mussel Response Framework this week, calling the threat 'urgent' and laying out a long-term strategy to prevent further spread. The mussels have already been spotted in multiple waterways, including the San Luis Reservoir, and their ability to form dense colonies could wreak havoc on infrastructure, agriculture, and ecosystems. 'The discovery of golden mussels in California is a serious challenge that requires coordinated action and a long-term commitment,' said Charlton Bonham, director of the CDFW, in a recent news release.'These impacts necessitate ongoing, costly removal to maintain operational function,' said CDFW spokesperson Krysten Kellum, SF Gate reported. The species, native to East and Southeast Asia, clogs pipes, damages watercraft motors, and threatens the drinking water supply for two-thirds of California residents. In response, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is offering $1 million in grants to support prevention efforts at boating facilities. New rules are also in place at several lakes and reservoirs, including mandatory 30-day quarantines and decontamination for trailered boats. The response includes expanded boat inspections, public education campaigns, and enhanced decontamination infrastructure. Officials are urging boaters to follow the 'Clean, Drain, Dry' protocol and report sightings of golden mussels immediately. 'Coordinated action will help safeguard critical water infrastructure,' said John Yarbrough, Deputy Director for the State Water Project. 'We can't afford to let this species spread unchecked.' To report sightings or learn more about the state's response, visit
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Officials declare 'urgent' threat as invasive species never before seen in North America is discovered: 'A serious challenge'
A tiny invasive species no bigger than a paper clip is causing concerns across Northern California's waterways. Golden mussels, never before seen in North America until October, have been discovered clinging to equipment in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, reported SFGate. These caramel-colored mollusks from China and Southeast Asia were likely introduced by international shipping vessels and have already spread to multiple California water bodies, including the San Luis Reservoir. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife released a plan to stop these little invaders, calling them an "urgent invasive species threat." "The discovery of golden mussels in California is a serious challenge that requires coordinated action and a long-term commitment," CDFW Director Charlton Bonham said in a news release, per SFGate. Like invasive plants that outcompete native vegetation, these aquatic invaders disrupt the natural balance of our ecosystems. They form dense colonies that can clog pipes, damage boat motors, and disrupt drinking water infrastructure that two-thirds of California residents depend on. The financial impact could be substantial. According to officials, removing these mussels requires "costly removal to maintain operational function" of water systems that serve millions of people. This situation mirrors the challenges homeowners face when dealing with invasive plants in their yards. Native landscaping is a solution with several benefits for your wallet and the planet. Native plants typically need less water than non-native options, helping you conserve water and lower your monthly bills. They also require less maintenance, saving you time and money on lawn care. You can choose from options such as buffalo grass, which needs minimal watering once established, or try a clover lawn that stays green with little effort. Xeriscaping with drought-resistant plants works well in drier climates, while native wildflower gardens attract essential pollinators. These pollinators help maintain our food supply, creating a healthier ecosystem that benefits everyone. Replacing even part of your lawn with natives can make a difference. Should we be actively working to kill invasive species? Absolutely It depends on the species I don't know No — leave nature alone Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. If you're a boater, you can help protect California's waterways by following the "clean, drain, dry" rule for your watercraft between launches. This simple step prevents hitchhiking mussels from spreading to new locations. If you spot any suspicious shells, you can report them by sending photos to the CDFW's invasive species program through its website or by calling its hotline at 866-440-9530. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Commercial Dungeness crab season off Bay Area coast closing to safeguard whales
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Commercial Dungeness crab fishing season is set to close off the San Francisco Bay Area coast on May 1, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced Monday. The May 1 closure of commercial Dungeness crab fishing in Fishing Zone 3, which spans from the Sonoma-Mendocino County line to Pigeon Point in San Mateo County, comes after a marine life entanglement risk assessment under the Risk Assessment Mitigation Program (RAMP), wildlife officials said. Whale entangled in crab trap lines off Monterey coast freed after 6 months Fishing Zones 1 and 2, which collectively span from the California-Oregon border down to the Sonoma-Mendocino County line, will remain open to commercial Dungeness crab fishing. Zones south of Pigeon Point closed on April 15. The upcoming closure in Fishing Zone 3 is 'intended to minimize entanglement risk as humpback whales return to forage off the coast of California,' CDFW said. According to aerial and vessel survey data released by CDFW, 23 humpback whales were observed in Fishing Zone 3 on April 6, and 53 were seen on April 8. The concentration of whales in the area and reports of recent whale entanglements prompted the move to shut down the commercial Dungeness crab season, according to CDFW Director Charlton Bonham. Fifth dead whale found in San Francisco Bay The next risk assessment is scheduled to take place in early May. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
California to reopen recreational salmon fishing for first time since 2022
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — The council overseeing U.S. Pacific coast fisheries issued a new recommendation Tuesday for 'very limited' recreational salmon fishing through the end of 2025, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The decision allows for the first recreational ocean salmon fishing in California waters since 2022. The recommendation from the Pacific Fishery Management Council also included keeping California's commercial salmon fisheries closed for the third year in a row. 'After years of full closure for salmon fishing, the opportunity for limited recreational salmon fishing brings hope. We know, however, that this news brings little relief for California's commercial salmon fisheries,' CDFW Director Charlton Bonham said in a news release. 'Salmon populations are still recovering from severe drought and other climate challenges and have not yet benefitted from our consecutive years of wet winters and other actions taken to boost populations. I'm deeply appreciative for the partnership of the fishing community in rebuilding these impacted populations and in fighting together for the future of salmon in California.' In ocean waters between Point Reyes in Marin County and Point Sur in Monterey County, the fall fishing season will open September 4-7, CDFW said. The daily bag limit, according to officials, is two Chinook salmon per day with a minimum length of 20 inches. The September harvest near the San Francisco Bay Area allows for 7,500 Chinook to be harvested. Wildlife officials said the short recreational window is designed for 'careful tracking and estimation of catch' to ensure numbers do not exceed the harvest guideline. Whale entangled in crab trap lines off Monterey coast freed after 6 months 'If this guideline is not attained, the fishery will reopen September 29-30,' CDFW said. 'Additional days are available in October between Point Reyes to Pigeon Point if any of the fall harvest guideline remains.' Ocean waters between the Oregon-California state line and the U.S.-Mexico border will have an initial recreational season open June 7-8 with a 7,000 Chinook summer harvest guideline. Salmon in California waters face ongoing issues from drought, climate disruption, wildfires, algal blooms, shifting food sources, habitat destruction and thiamine deficiency, according to wildlife officials. CDFW said the 'low ocean abundance forecasts and low 2024 returns' are what led the council to its recommendations. The limited recreational fishing and continuing commercial closure will 'help salmon populations rebound from these difficulties,' according to officials. Additional information on California ocean salmon fishing regulations can be found on the CDFW website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
