As Texans gear up for the Fourth of July festivities, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is issuing a rallying cry for boaters and paddlers to step up their game in the fight against aquatic hitchhikers. With the sun blazing down and the cool lakes beckoning, TPWD is reminding everyone that the responsibility of keeping our waters pristine from invasive species like giant salvinia and zebra mussels falls squarely on their shoulders. The department's clear message, "clean, drain and dry," outlines the simple but effective steps needed to stem the tide of these aquatic invaders, according to the TPWD.
The invasive plant, which is not the only culprit but certainly one of the ringleaders, has already muscled its way into 27 East Texas lakes, and various other waterways between Houston and Beaumont. “While we want everyone to have a great time, we also want to avoid giving invasive species free rides to new lakes,” Brian Van Zee, TPWD Inland Fisheries regional director, told TPWD.
Apart from giant salvinia, Texans must also keep their eyes peeled for zebra mussels, a sharp-shelled nuisance that has muscled its way into 37 Texas lakes and several river basins. Predictably, they are not content with just creating a mess—these invasive mussels can damage boats and the very infrastructure that provides water to countless Texas residents. “Microscopic zebra mussel larvae can also be transported in residual water in the boat. Taking just a few minutes to clean, drain and dry boats can make a huge difference in our efforts to prevent further spread of this highly damaging species and harm to Texas lakes,” noted Monica McGarrity, TPWD senior scientist for aquatic invasive species, as per the TPWD.
For those who might need a little guidance on the "how-to," never fear, TPWD has cooked up an instructional video, available on their YouTube channel, to walk you through the process. And if you stumble upon these unwelcome tourists on your boat or equipment, reach out to TPWD at (512) 389-4848. If you happen to identify a new invasion hotspot, help map the spread by sending photos and location details to [email protected].
