Lake Tahoe boat inspectors intercepted 10 watercraft carrying invasive golden mussels this season, according to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA).
Officials reported the findings during an end-of-boating-season briefing Wednesday, following about 5,200 watercraft inspections.
The Lake Tahoe Watercraft Inspection Program, led by TRPA and the Tahoe Resource Conservation District, works to prevent aquatic invasive species from entering Lake Tahoe.
The increased number of interceptions this year was not unexpected, officials said, as golden mussels continue to spread through California waterways from San Diego to Sacramento.
“Thankfully, our team of trained inspectors is dedicated and meticulous,” said Chris Kilian, aquatic invasive species program manager at Tahoe RCD.
Inspectors also found 84 watercraft carrying various aquatic invasive species. Of those, 23 had invasive quagga, zebra or golden mussels.
Nearly 70% of visiting boats arrived clean, drained and dry this season, up from about 60% in previous years.
