How boaters can help avoid the spread of zebra mussels this Fourth of July

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is cautioning boaters and paddleboarders to be mindful of cleaning off their gear to avoid the spread of zebra mussels this Fourth of July and summer season.

Zebra mussels are a kind of aquatic invasive species in Texas that can attach to boats and hitch a ride to new lakes. Currently, the species is present in 37 lakes across Texas, along with river reaches heading downstream from those lakes.

“While we want everyone to have a great time, we also want to avoid giving invasive species free rides to new lakes,” said Brian Van Zee, TPWD Inland Fisheries regional director, in a release. “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.”

Zebra mussels aren't the only species TPWD specialists are concerned about. Giant salvinia is an extremely invasive aquatic fern that can create thick surface mats that impede fishing, boating, swimming and water recreation activities, TPWD officials said.

That aquatic fern species is present in 27 East Texas lakes along with several rivers, creeks and marshes in the Houston and Beaumont areas.

To mitigate further spread of invasive species, TPWD encourages boaters to clean, drain and dry all boats and gear before traveling between lakes. That cleaning process involves removing any plants, mud and debris from boats, draining out all the water and open all compartments to fully dry out for at least one week, whenever possible.

TPWD offers an instructional video outlining how to properly clean and dry out boats and equipment.