Important Message for Texas Anglers

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department sent this bulletin at 05/23/2014 10:01 AM CDT

Your help is needed to stop zebra mussels - Clean, drain and dry your boat. It's the law.
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Our lakes and rivers are under attack by zebra mussels.

This destructive invasive species harms aquatic life, including native mussels and even popular sportfish, damages boats and fishing equipment, and hinders water recreation. Lake Texoma, Ray Roberts, Lewisville, Bridgeport, Belton and Lavon are already infested — and without your help, zebra mussels could spread throughout the state. Watch this short video to learn more.

It’s Illegal to Transport Zebra Mussels

When you boat this summer, adult zebra mussels or their microscopic larvae could hide in your boat and trailer. By hitching a ride on boats like yours, zebra mussels can spread and infest new lakes and rivers across Texas.

It is illegal to possess or transport zebra mussels knowingly or unknowingly. In addition, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has approved expanding from 47 North and Central Texas counties to statewide the rule requiring boaters to drain all water from their vessels, including live wells, bilges, motors, and any other receptacles before leaving or approaching a water body. This applies to all types and sizes of boats used on public fresh waters, effective July 1.

Don’t Be a Carrier: Clean, Drain, Dry

Prevent the spread of zebra mussels by always following these steps:

CLEAN off any vegetation, mud or foreign objects on your boat, trailer and gear before you leave the lake. Adult zebra mussels attach to hard surfaces such as boat hulls and motors.

DRAIN all water from your boat and gear. Zebra mussel larvae are invisible to the naked eye and can hide in the water in your motor, bilge, live wells and bait buckets.

DRY your boat and trailer for a week or more before entering another water body. It’s a surefire way to kill any remaining zebra mussels.

Visit TexasInvasives.org/ZebraMussels to find more information.

Thank you for doing your part to stop the spread of these destructive invaders.

Questions?
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tpwd.texas.gov

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