The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) reminds waterfowl hunters to join the fight against the spread of aquatic invasive species like giant salvinia and zebra mussels. Hunters play a key role in this preventive effort when they 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 of giant salvinia or other aquatic invasive plants can cause an infestation in a new lake, making it critical for boaters to clean, drain and dry their boats and 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 hunters’ access to prime waterfowl hunting areas, but it can also outgrow and replace the native plants that waterfowl rely on for food and habitat.”
