Invasive zebra mussels are infesting Texas lakes, TPWD says

A north Texas lake is fully infested with zebra mussels and reproducing, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

The species has been found in 30 Texas reservoirs across five river basins and in rivers that branch off of infested lakes, including the Richland Chambers Reservoir, just southeast of Dallas. Despite efforts to eradicate the species, evidence suggests the population is growing in the body of water.

In the San Antonio area, zebra mussels have been found in Lake Placid, Lake Dunlap and Canyon Lake. They have also been found in Lady Bird Lake, Lake Travis, Lake Marble Falls, Lake Lyndon B. Johnson and more.

The zebra mussel is not native to Texas, but has been found in a number of lakes over the past several years. Officials say that the conditions in most Texas lakes are conducive to their establishment. The species is native to the Black, Caspian, and Azov seas, according to the the U.S. Geological Survey.

The mussels create litter along the shorelines with sharp shells that impact recreation, harm aquatic life, damage boats and clog water intakes.

“Once they are introduced to a water body, it’s only a matter of time before they fully infest the lake and have negative impacts which is why it is so important for all boaters to take steps to clean, drain, and dry their boats to prevent the spread,” Monica McGarrity, TPWD Senior Scientist for Aquatic Invasive Species Management, said in a news release.

To help stop the spread into other lakes, officials recommend that boaters take the time to remove plants, mud and debris from their boat as well as drain all of the water and open compartments so the boat and gear can dry completely when out of the water or before approaching a new body of fresh water.

Transporting aquatic invasive species, even accidentally, can result in legal trouble for boaters with a fine up to $500 per violation.

TPWD also encourages anyone who sees zebra mussels in lakes where they haven’t been found before to email a photo and location to [email protected] to help identify. Anyone who spots them on boats trailers or equipment that is being moved should report the sightings to TPWD immediately at 512-389-4848.

Taylor Pettaway is a breaking news and general assignment reporter for MySA.com | [email protected] | @TaylorPettaway