REPORT: Invasive Species Rampant Throughout Malibu Creek Watershed

Invasive species such as the New Zealand mudsnail have spread rapidly over the past several years throughout the Malibu Creek Watershed, according to a recently released report. 

The 12-year report, "Malibu Creek Watershed: Ecosystem on the Brink," found that several invasive species are thriving, including New Zealand mudsnails, red swamp crayfish, bullfrogs, giant reed, periwinkle and fennel.

The animals and plants are widespread in the watershed, displacing, outcompeting, and impacting native species, according to the report.

Volunteers are working to remove crayfish from the watershed every Thursday, Friday, Saturday at Malibu Creek State Park with the Mountains Restoration Trust, Sierra Pacfic Fly Fishers and the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission.

According to the report, local stream surveys have shown that streams in the more developed areas of the Santa Monica Mountains have high numbers of invasive crayfish and fish, and have fewer native species such as California newts and treefrogs.

The New Zealand mudsnails were first discovered in the watershed by the city of Calabasas in 2005. The report does not state how the non-native species came to the Malibu Creek Watershed.

The mudsnails have been recorded in eight streams and creeks in Calabasas, Agoura and Malibu.

The report recommends prevention to control the spread of invasive species throughout the watershed and surrounding areas.

Read the full report online.