SACRAMENTO— Boaters are invited to learn about their role in combating aquatic invasive species at a seminar Feb. 3 in Marina Del Rey.

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), University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) – Sea Grant Extension Program, the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Foundation, the Santa Monica Windjammers and the Fairwind Yacht Clubs 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 DFG Environmental Scientists Dan Schrimsher and Catherine Mandella; 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 Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht Club (Main Room), 13589 Mindanao Way in Marina Del Rey. It is free and open to the public; registration is required by Jan. 27.

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

Dinghy Digest ®