Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is reminding boaters, paddlers and waterfowl hunters to ‘clean, drain and dry’ as Labor Day weekend begins and teal season approaches. Teal season kicks off on Sept. 19, and TPWD’s reminder serves to make sure everyone does their part in protecting Texas lakes from aquatic invasive species. “While we want everyone to have a great time, we also want to avoid giving aquatic invasive species free rides to new lakes,” said Brian Van Zee, TPWD Inland Fisheries deputy division 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 you visit any lake.” Transporting prohibited aquatic invasive species in Texas is illegal. This is why boaters must drain all water from their boat and onboard receptacles, including bait buckets, before leaving or approaching a body of fresh water. All invasive plants must also be removed from the boat and trailer before leaving a lake. “Just a single, small fragment can quickly cause a problematic infestation,” said Metz. “Texans taking a small amount of time for preventive measures by inspecting and cleaning boats and equipment after a trip on the lake, draining water, and allowing the boat and equipment to dry completely. With these simple actions, you can help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive plants to other Texas lakes.” Zebra mussels and giant salvinia, two of the biggest threats to Texas lakes, continue to spread to new areas in Texas, according to TPWD. “Zebra mussels and quagga mussels can attach to boats and even be carried by anchors or plants clinging to boats,” said Monica McGarrity, TPWD senior scientist for aquatic invasive species. TPWD said the non-native shellfish that attach to hard surfaces pose a significant concern for Texas lakes. The mussels are now found in 40 Texas lakes across eight river basins, as well as in river reaches downstream of infested lakes. “Once they’re introduced, it doesn’t take much for aquatic invasive plants to take root and become established in a lake,” said Jessica Metz, TPWD aquatic habitat enhancement biologist. Giant salvinia, a highly invasive, free-floating aquatic fern that can double its coverage area in a week, is considered a serious concern by the TPWD for anyone who enjoys Texas lakes. The fern can produce thick surface mats that make fishing, boating, swimming and other water recreation nearly impossible. It’s currently present on 30 East Texas lakes and numerous rivers, creeks and marshes between Houston and Beaumont, according to the TPWD. “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 McGarrity. TPWD said that if a boat or other equipment has been stored in the water at a lake with invasive mussels, it is likely infested and poses an extremely high risk for transporting these invasive species to a new lake. Call (512) 389-4848 for guidance before moving the boat. Click here to learn more about zebra mussels, giant salvinia and other invasive species in Texas. This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser. ...read more read less