AUSTIN, Texas — Two Austin-area lakes have received upgraded classifications for infestation of zebra mussels.

Lake Austin is now considered an infested lake after populations of zebra mussels has been found in several locations. Lady Bird Lake is now classified as suspect because zebra mussels or their larvae has been found at least once.

Zebra mussels are an invasive species that can harm native species, affect water clarity and cause harmful algal blooms, litter beaches with sharp shells, clog water pipes, damage or increase maintenance on hydroelectric and other facilities using raw surface water, and damage boats.

“When zebra mussels were found in the Colorado River Basin we knew it was likely that larvae would disperse and invade downstream water bodies,” Monica McGarrity, with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, said. “But downstream dispersal doesn’t spread zebra mussels to new river basins – boats do — and boats can spread them downstream more quickly.”

PREVENTING THE SPREAD

  1. Clean — Inspect your boat, trailer and gear, and remove any zebra mussels, vegetation or foreign objects.
  2. Drain — Drain all water from the boat, including from the engine, bilge, live wells and bait buckets, before leaving the lake.
  3. Dry — Open all compartments and live wells, and allow the boat and trailer to sit completely dry for a week or more before entering another water body; or wash your boat, trailer and any gear that has been in the lake with a high-pressure washer and hot (at least 140-degree), soapy water.

Zebra mussel DNA was found in at least ten other water bodies in Texas during routine sampling in 2017. Positive DNA hits do not confirm the presence of zebra mussels or their larvae in the lake, but it alerts scientists to keep a closer watch.

“The DNA hits also underscore the importance for boaters to thoroughly clean, drain and dry their boats and gear when leaving any lake in Texas – not just at the 22 we have classified as infested, positive or suspect,” Brian Van Zee, inland fisheries regional director said. “Even though you may not see them, microscopic hitchhikers could still be hiding in your equipment.”

In Texas it is illegal to posses and transport zebra mussels and boaters are required to drain their boats and receptacles before they leave or visit any fresh water lake.

CONTINUING COVERAGE:

Texas Parks Boat-Cleaning Video: