Several invasive species are attacking Texas lakes, and everyone can help stop the spread. Anglers especially should take care to clean fishing gear and boats to avoid the spread.
Zebra mussels, giant salvinia, and emerald ash borders are only three of the kinds of species one should be mindful of on Texas freshwaters.
Zebra mussels are having a devastating effect on the state’s natural resources. They harm native fish and mussels, and they negatively impact beaches with their sharp shells. They are major trouble for boaters because they damage boat hulls and reduce the performance of boating equipment. Zebra mussels can clog water intakes, costing taxpayers millions of dollars. Zebra mussels have already invaded several Texas lakes and could take over all freshwater sources in Texas.
To keep the spread of zebra mussels at bay, it is vital that Texas boaters clean, drain, and dry their boats after leaving every lake. This is how we can fight the spread.
-CLEAN off any vegetation, mud or foreign objects on your boat, trailer and gear before you leave the lake.
-DRAIN all water – including the bilge, livewells, motor and bait buckets.
-DRY your boat and trailer for a week or more before entering another water body. If unable to dry the boat completely, wash it with high-pressure, hot, soapy water.
Shore anglers should be warned that invasive species can hide in any gear that holds water, including bait buckets. Clean, drain, dry all your gear whether you’re fishing from the shore or a boat.
Giant salvinia is becoming increasingly more harmful to Texas lakes and boats. Native to Brazil, the giant salvinia is currently one of the most dangerous invasive aquatic plants in Texas. It damages aquatic ecosystems by outgrowing and replacing native plants that provide food and habitat for native animals and waterfowl.
The emerald ash border is a beetle native to eastern Asia. It has killed millions of ash trees and led to major efforts by state and local officials to limit its spread through strict quarantines and fines for the movement of wood, especially firewood, out of infested areas. The emerald ash border has not been found in Texas yet, but it has been confirmed in 13 states in the upper Midwest and southern Canada and as far south as eastern Missouri. Efforts are being made to ensure the earliest detection and prevention.
The next best way to curb the spread of these species is to report any sightings of them. If you have knowledge of or have seen any of these invasive species, please take the time to notify the proper authorities. Report forms and more information can be found at this website. If possible, try to take a picture and record the GPS location of the sighting.
Possession or transportation of invasive species is illegal. Boaters are also required to drain all water from their boat and gear and remove any invasive plants before approaching or leaving a public water body. Violations are Class C misdemeanors for the first offense, punishable by a fine of up to $500.
A list of more invasive species and where to report them can be found here, as well.
To brush up on your cleaning, draining, and drying process, watch this how to video.
This may seem like a tedious process, but keeping Texas lakes beautiful for us and for our environment is extremely important. Help maintain the beautiful lakes we all enjoy and keep yourself within the boundaries of the law. Keep Texas lakes safe from invasive species!
