Every year, Texans enjoy the Fourth of July by soaking in the summer sun on the water. After their time on the water, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department ( TPWD) urges boaters and paddlers to do their part to protect the Texas lakes we love from aquatic invasive species during the heart of boating season.
“ While we want everyone to have a great time, we also want them to avoid giving invasive species free rides to new lakes,” said Brian Van Zee, TPWD Inland Fisheries regional director. “The best way to prevent the spread of many harmful aquatic invasive species is to clean, drain and dry your boats and equipment every time.”
Zebra mussels and giant salvinia continue to spread to new areas in Texas. While they remain as some of the biggest threats to Texas lakes, other highly invasive species that boaters can transport include water hyacinth, crested floating heart and quagga mussels.
Zebra mussels, a non- native shellfish that attaches to hard surfaces, also pose a significant threat to our lakes. These invasive mussels damage boats and infrastructure for water supply and control, alter lake ecosystems and cause harm to native species. They also litter shorelines with hazardous, sharp shells that impact lakefront recreation.
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