The Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife asked for the community’s help to prevent the spread of zebra mussels, an invasive species, over the state’s lakes.
“While we want everyone to have fun, we also want them to avoid giving invasive species free rides to new lakes. The best way to prevent the spread of many harmful aquatic invasive species is to clean, drain and dry your boats and equipment at all times,” said Brian Van Zee, regional director of Inland Fisheries for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Zebra mussels and giant salvinia continue to spread to new areas of the state.
According to authorities, zebra mussels or “zebra mussles” are a non-native shellfish that cling to hard surfaces, they also pose a significant threat to lakes.
“Zebra mussels and quagga mussels can be attached to boats or even transported by anchors or attached to plants that cling to boats,” said Monica McGarrity, the department’s principal scientist for aquatic invasive species.
Authorities explain that the microscopic larvae of the zebra mussel can be transported in the ship’s wastewater and are transported to other bodies of water. “Taking just a few minutes to clean, drain and dry boats can make a world of difference in our efforts to prevent further spread of this highly damaging species and damage to Texas lakes,” McGarrity said.
Zebra mussels are now found in 36 Texas lakes in seven river basins, as well as in stretches of rivers downstream of infested lakes.
Authorities monitor numerous at-risk lakes across the state for early detection of zebra mussels, but once they have been introduced and established in a lake, nothing can be done to control or eradicate them.
THIS IS WHAT EXPERTS RECOMMEND FOR BOAT OWNERS
The Parks and Wildlife Department urges boaters to follow these three simple, but crucial steps to clean, drain, and dry boats and gear before traveling from one lake to another:
- Remove plants, mud, and debris.
- Drain all water from the boat and equipment.
- Once home, open the compartments and let everything dry completely for at least a week, if possible.
- If a boat has been stored in the water in a lake with invasive mussels, it is likely infested and presents an extremely high risk of transporting these invasive species to a new lake. Before moving the boat, please call the department at (512) 389-4848 for guidance.
Transportation of prohibited aquatic invasive species in Texas is illegal and is punishable by a fine of up to $500 per violation on the first offense.
It is also the law that boaters must drain all water from their boat and any receptacles on board, including bait pans, before leaving or approaching a body of fresh water.
