The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is asking waterfowl hunters to help protect Texas water bodies from aquatic invasive species by cleaning, draining and drying boats and hunting equipment before traveling from lake to lake, according to an Oct. 29 news release.
The agency said invasive species can reduce the quality of waterfowl habitats, block recreational access and harm ecosystems and infrastructure. TPWD named giant salvinia, other aquatic invasive plants and zebra mussels as species that can spread to new waters on boats, trailers and tow vehicles, as well as on gear such as decoys, waders, decoy bags and marsh sleds.
Tips for waterfowl hunters drawn from recent studies, the release said, include using a wet/dry vacuum to remove plants from the boat, trailer and most equipment before rinsing with a water hose; rinsing waders and decoys after removing plants, mud and organisms by hand, using a stiff brush on boot treads; and draining water from decoys. TPWD said a video demonstrating the steps is available on its YouTube channel.
Giant salvinia is a highly invasive, free-floating aquatic fern that TPWD said can double its coverage area in a week and form thick surface mats. The agency said the plant is present on 30 East Texas lakes and numerous rivers, creeks and marshes, largely between Houston and Beaumont. “Giant salvinia is often thought of as a plant that causes recreational access issues for anglers and boaters, but additionally it can create serious problems for waterfowl hunters,” said Jessica Metz, TPWD aquatic habitat enhancement biologist.
Zebra mussels, a non-native shellfish, are now found in 40 Texas lakes across eight river basins, as well as in river reaches downstream of infested lakes, according to the agency. TPWD said that once the mussels become established in a lake, little can be done to control or eradicate them. “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,” said Monica McGarrity, TPWD senior scientist for aquatic invasive species.
Transporting prohibited aquatic invasive species in Texas is illegal and punishable by a fine of up to $500 per violation, the release noted, and boaters must drain all water from their boats and onboard receptacles, including bait buckets, before leaving or approaching fresh water.
TPWD asked anyone who finds invasive species in lakes where they have not been reported, or sees them on boats, trailers or equipment being moved, to report the sighting at (512) 389-4848 or by emailing photos and location information to aquaticinvasives@tpwd.texas.gov. More information is available at tpwd.texas.gov/StopInvasives.