Lake Berryessa implements new protocols for boat launching

NAPA, Calif. - Effective immediately, Reclamation will require all boats launching at Lake Berryessa to participate in a seal program to prevent the spread of invasive mussels. All vessels wishing to launch at Lake Berryessa will be inspected. A red quarantine seal will be applied for 30 days during, which the vessel will not be permitted to launch. Vessels that have finished the 30-day quarantine may return to the lake and have the seal removed by authorized staff and will be allowed to launch.

Any vessel wishing to launch sooner than the required 30-day quarantine period must have a hot-water decontamination performed by Solano County Water Agency trained and approved staff. These vessels are allowed to launch immediately following decontamination. Should a vessel be decontaminated at another facility or by another entity, that decontamination will not be valid unless a seal is applied to the vessel.

Upon exit from the Lake, all vessels must have a seal attached by authorized staff to be allowed to freely launch at Lake Berryessa. Otherwise, the vessel will need to undergo another quarantine period or decontamination.

Hand launched watercraft with electric motors like fishing kayaks, require an inspection prior to launch. Non-motorized watercraft, such as kayaks and paddleboards, are not subject to inspection and are encouraged to be inspected for free at any launch ramp. All paddlers are encouraged to arrive clean, drained, and dry.

Reclamation, its partners, and its Concessioners are making these changes to prevent the spread of golden mussels. The invasive species was recently identified in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and is the first known occurrence of golden mussels in North America. The species pose a significant immediate threat to the ecological health of the Delta and all waters of the state, water conveyance systems, infrastructure, and water quality.

For questions about this new protocol and vessel decontamination, contact [email protected].