AUSTIN – Waterfowl hunters are gearing up across the state in anticipation of opening day. In an effort to avoid spreading invasive species like giant salvinia and zebra mussels, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is reminding waterfowl hunters to clean, drain and dry their boats and equipment, including decoys and other hunting gear, before traveling from lake to lake.
Aquatic invasive plants can easily become entangled or trapped on boats and boat trailers and moved to other lakes. Giant salvinia, one of the most problematic aquatic invasive plants in Texas, can double in size and acreage in less than a week, quickly becoming a problem. Just a small fragment can cause an infestation in a new lake, making it even more important for boaters to clean, drain, and dry their gear.
“Giant salvinia is often thought of as a plant that blocks recreational access for anglers and boaters, but it can cause serious problems for waterfowl hunters too,” said John Findeisen, TPWD Aquatic Habitat Enhancement Team Lead. “Not only does it form thick mats that block access for hunters to prime waterfowl hunting areas, but it can also outgrow and replace the native plants that waterfowl rely on for food and habitat.”
Another major invasive species threat in Texas is zebra mussels. Currently, zebra mussels are found in 33 Texas reservoirs across six river basins as well as in river reaches downstream of infested lakes. These invaders can litter shorelines with sharp shells, impact recreation, harm aquatic life, damage boats and clog water intakes.
“Waterfowl hunters can help keep zebra mussels and other invasive species from being moved and harming more lakes by taking a few minutes to remove plants and debris from boats, along with draining water before leaving the lake and allowing everything to dry completely
