SACRAMENTO— Boaters are invited to learn about their role in combating aquatic invasive species at a free seminar June 9 in San Diego. The seminar will be held from 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p .m. at the San Diego Yacht Club, Spinnaker Room 1011 - Anchorage Lane. It is free and open to the public. Registration is required by June 4.

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. The seminar will explain why 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. Boats are the most common avenues for spreading Quagga mussels and other aquatic invasive species.

The seminar will be hosted by the Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW) and the California Coastal Commission’s Boating Clean and Green Program, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (UFWS), the Department of Fish and Game (DFG), the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE)—Sea Grant Extension Program and the San Diego Yacht Club.

Presenters include, DFG Staff Services Analyst Dominique Norton, USFWS Invasive Species Watershed Coordinator Ron Smith, UCCE Sea Grant Extension Program Marine Advisors Dr. Carolynn (Carrie) Culver and Leigh Taylor Johnson, and Boating Clean and Green Coordinator Vivian Matuk.

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

Dinghy Digest ®