Over the coming weeks, Texans from all over the state will take to the ocean for fun and entertainment. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department ( TPWD ) calls on boaters and paddlers to take action to protect the state’s beloved lakes from aquatic invasive species.
” We want everyone to have a great time, but we also want them to avoid giving free rides to invasive species and allowing them to travel to new lake,” said Brian Van Zee, TPWD Inland Fisheries local director. The best way to stop the spread of numerous harmful aquatic invasive species is to always fresh, drain, and clean your watercraft and equipment.
In Texas, big salvinia and zebra mussels are still present in new locations. Another highly invasive varieties can also be spread or introduced by paddlers, including water lily, horned and golden floating heart, and quagga mussels, despite they still pose some of the biggest threats to Texas lakes.
Zebra clams, a non- indigenous shellfish that connects to difficult surfaces, pose a substantial threat to our lakes. These restrictive mussels harm boats and water source and control infrastructure, change lake ecosystems, and harm native species. They also litter shorelines with dangerous, sharpened shells that impact beachfront recreation.
Zebra oysters can now be found in 37 Texas lakes in seven river ponds as well as in creek reaches upstream of infected lakes. Zebra and closely related gallery mussels are monitored by TPWD and partners for early recognition of them in state lakes, but nothing can be done to stop or remove them once they have been introduced and established in a river.
According to Monica McGarrity, TPWD senior scientist for aquatic invasive species,” Zebra oysters and gallery mussels can be attached to boats or even carried by anchors or attached to flowers clinging to ships.” In the vessel, microscopic zebra mussel caterpillars can also be transported in remaining water. In order to stop the spread of this highly destructive species and the harm to Texas lakes, taking just a few minutes to clear, drain, and clean boats can make a big difference.
Giant salvinia, a very aggressive, complimentary- floating underwater fern that can double its coverage area in a week, is one of the key threats to our lakes. This aggressive plant can produce wet floor mats that make hunting, fishing, swimming and other water recreation almost impossible.
Between Houston and Beaumont, there are 27 East Texas lake and many streams, rivers, and swamps where large salvinia can be found. Giant Salvinia could also hitchhike from one river to another on a vessel, trailer, or other equipment, despite efforts by TPWD to prevent angling or boating access to Texas open waters.
” There’s no doubt that Texans love their rivers, but we also need Texans to take action to help protect them”, said John Findeisen, TPWD watery habitat improvement group result. ” Preventing the introduction of aquatic invasive species avoids expensive, long-term efforts to manage these species once they have established themselves in a lake because it only takes a tiny fragment of an invasive plant to cause a problem in a new lake.” It only takes a few minutes of our responsible boaters ‘ time to clean, drain, and dry our boats and equipment to stop new introductions of aquatic invasive species.
Before traveling from lake to lake, TPWD urges boaters to take the following three easy but necessary steps: remove plants, mud, and debris, drain all water from the boat, and gear; once back home, open compartments, and allow everything to dry completely for at least a week, if possible.
If a boat or other piece of equipment has been stored in the water of a lake that contains invasive mussels, it is likely infected and poses a significant risk of moving these invasive species to a new lake. Before moving the boat, call TPWD at ( 512 ) 389- 4848 for guidance.
In addition to harming aquatic ecosystems, water infrastructure, and the enjoyment of lakes, boaters can be in legal trouble if they transport these organisms. The illegal and punishable act of transporting prohibited aquatic invasive species to Texas includes a fine of up to$ 500 per violation. Boaters are required to clear all water from their boats and onboard receptacles, including bait buckets, before leaving or approaching a body of fresh water, according to the law. Before leaving a lake, they must also remove all invasive plants from the boat and trailer.
Visit the TPWD YouTube channel for a brief instructional video for more information on how to properly clean, drain, and dry boats and equipment. Visit tpwd to learn more about zebra mussels and other invasive species in Texas. texas. gov/StopInvasives.
Anyone who spots invasive species on boats, trailers, or other equipment moving can help prevent new introductions by reporting the sighting to TPWD at ( 512 ) 389- 4848. TPWD and partners monitor for invasive species in Texas lakes. Anyone who discovers invasive species like zebra mussels in lakes where they have n’t previously been found can send email to aquaticinvasives@tpwd.texas with photos and location information. gov.
