The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) requests the help of waterfowl hunters to protect Texas water bodies from the spread of aquatic invasive species that can reduce the quality of waterfowl habitats, block recreational access and harm ecosystems and infrastructure.
Hunters can make a difference to help protect waterfowl and the hunting experience by simply taking a few minutes to clean, drain and dry their boats and equipment, including decoys and other hunting gear, before traveling from lake to lake. These simple steps help keep invasive species like giant salvinia, other aquatic invasive plants and zebra mussels from spreading to new waters.
Aquatic invasive plants can easily become entangled or trapped on boats and boat trailers or even tow vehicles (including around lights, license plates, and between the boat and bunks) and be moved to other lakes. Hunters should also make sure they aren’t inadvertently carrying invasive species on or in other equipment, like waders, decoys, decoy bags and marsh sleds by cleaning, draining and drying this equipment as well.
To learn more about giant salvinia, zebra mussels and other invasive species in Texas, visit tpwd.texas.gov/StopInvasives.
