What We're Working On - A Brief Update on Key Boating Issues

Here’s a quick update on some of the key issues RBOC’s is working on:

• Engaging with the various state and regional agencies as they take action to prevent the infestation of water bodies by the golden mussel, often imposing restrictions and prohibitions on all on-the-water activities.

• Advocating for legislation establishing an extended producer responsibility program for pyrotechnic marine flares to acknowledge that there is only one manufacturer and so that the take-back requirements are structured to ensure that the costs of implementation do not place an unreasonable burden on boaters.

• Opposing the Delta Conveyance Project that, as revised to one tunnel, would still significantly impede navigation and harm Delta recreation.

• Advocating for updates and efficiencies to state programs financed by boat registration fees to ensure they provide positive benefits to boaters and share costs with other stakeholders where appropriate – prior to an increase in boat registration fees.

• Supporting legislation to review the effectiveness of low-leach-rate paint and elevated copper concentrations in saltwater harbors, bays, and marinas that are primarily a result of the use of copper-based antifouling paint, and to determine the best methods to address elevated copper concentrations in saltwater harbors, bays, and marinas that are primarily a result of the use of this paint in the state.

• Requesting that the Outdoor Recreation for All [30x30] program identify the values of, and prioritize on-the-water opportunities within its initiatives. Clear confirmation should also be provided that the significant areas of water that have been protected over the years, including the marine life protected areas [MLPAs] count towards the 30% preservation goal.

• Raising concerns that the state’s authorization of E15 fuel will raise prices on E10 gasoline, will restrict the availability of that fuel, and will inevitably ruin many boat engines.

California's Golden Mussel Response Framework Recommendations Impact Boating

Framework includes numerous recommendations specific to recreational boating.

RBOC and the recreational boating industry are reaching out together to the Department of Fish and Wildlife as the lead agency to initiate a dialogue on boating-specific recommendations set forth in the Golden Mussel Response Framework that has just been released.

The framework was developed to “provide recommendations to state and local policy makers, managers, and the public on how to respond to the recent detections of golden mussel through a common framework across agencies and jurisdictions. In many instances the recommendations are intended to provide options, with some applying more to a statewide response, while others may be more appropriate on a local scale. Some of the recommendations are already being implemented, while others may need additional effort, legal authority, and resources to fully implement. “

The framework considers partner engagement and coordination as a critical component in the prevention effort.

Specific to recreational boating, the recommendations include:

• Maintaining a list of waterbodies to inform boaters about their watercraft inspection program (Watercraft Inspections in California and Vessel Restrictions)

• Establishing prevention programs at all accessible, private and public, uninfested waters (not just reservoirs open to the public for recreation).

• Promote adoption of the Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Database by all agencies that control or otherwise manage watercraft access • Set statewide standards on watercraft inspection programs.

• Set statewide standards for watercraft banding programs.

• Work with water managers to build reciprocal inspection/decontamination programs.

• Promote mandatory watercraft inspection and decontamination (if watercraft is not Clean, Drain, Dry).

• Promote mandatory inspection of equipment prior to being put in water (if equipment is not Clean, Drain, Dry).

• Implement education and outreach strategies (Objective 2. Education and Outreach Plan).

• Update existing dreissenid Prevention Plan Guidance Document to include golden mussel.

• Utilize K9 scent detection in inspection programs.

• Encourage fishing contest tournament organizers to institute measures to prevent participants from spreading invasive mussels.

• Implement education and outreach strategies (Objective 2. Education and Outreach Plan).

• Enhance inspection hours of operation at CDFA Border Protection Stations and consider inspection of outgoing moored vessels. 

• Evaluate options for in-water hull cleaning of recreational watercraft.

• Evaluate anti-biofouling coatings for recreational watercraft, submerged intakes, pumps, fish screens, etc.

• The California State Legislature could amend the law to include golden mussel or, alternatively, more clearly define the word mussel for purposes of fund expenditure. Additionally, consideration should be given to allow these funds to be used in waterbodies already infested to help prevent the spread.

• Upon authorization and amendments to HNC Sections 675-676, State Parks could revise the regulations to add golden mussel to be included with the Mussel Fee.

• Upon authorization and amendments to HNC Sections 675-676, State Parks could revise the regulations to add golden mussel infestation prevention work to be included in QZ Grant Program awards.

• Upon authorization and amendments to FGC 2301 and 2302, CDFW could amend this section to include golden mussel allowing water operators and reservoir managers to continue to operate under the approval of a control plan and prevention plan. Strong consideration should be given to ensuring that control and prevention plans include feasible mitigation measures.

• Upon authorization and amendments to FGC 2301, CDFW could amend this section to require watercraft and equipment leaving mussel-infested waters to be decontaminated.

• Under existing FGC Section 2301, establish a regulation requiring mandatory removal of conveyance drain plugs when not in water.

• The CSLC could amend ballast water management regulations to strengthen existing performance standards by adding an exchange requirement to more effectively kill fresh or brackish water organisms (e.g., the CSLC could add a mid-ocean ballast exchange requirement).    Action - The CSLC is targeting Spring of 2025 to amend these regulations via emergency rulemaking, to be followed by permanent rulemaking.

• Statewide General National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit for Residual Pesticide Discharges to Waters of the United States from Aquatic Animal Invasive Species Control.

• SWRCB should work with water operators and managers to expedite, to the extent possible, the issuance of Aquatic Animal Invasive Species Control Permits to help control and contain golden mussels.

• Utilization of the Mussel Fee Sticker (aka quagga/zebra mussel sticker) revenue.

• Create an out-of-state boater fee for vessels not registered in California.