Emerald Bay Aquatic Invasive Species Asian Clam Control

A relatively sparse population of Asian clams were discovered near the mouth of Emerald Bay in 2009. Initial surveys estimated this infestation at approximately 3.5 acres in size just inside and on the south side of the mouth of Emerald Bay, in water depths of six (6) to thirty (30) feet. Surveys in 2011 showed the infestation had spread to approximately 5.5 acres (2011 U.C. Davis Survey Results), an increase in infestation size of over forty percent (40%) in only two (2) years. An expansion of the Emerald Bay infestation similar to that seen in South Lake Tahoe would result in considerable ecological and recreation impacts.