SACRAMENTO— Boaters are invited to learn about their role in combating aquatic invasive species at a seminar June 16 in Santa Barbara. The seminar will be held from 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at the Chase Palm Park Center - 236 E. Cabrillo Blvd.. It is free and open to the public. Registration is required by June 12.

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 California 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 California Department of Fish and Game (DFG), the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE)—Sea Grant Extension Program, the NOAA Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and the City of Santa Barbara.

Presenters include DFG Fish and Wildlife Interpreter Betsy Magladry, 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.