When you boat this summer, aquatic invasive species like zebra mussels could hide in your boat and trailer. By hitching a ride on boats like yours, invasive species can spread and infest new lakes and rivers across Texas. It is illegal to possess or transport aquatic invasive species knowingly or unknowingly. And, beginning today, boaters must drain all water from their boat and on-board receptacles before leaving or approaching a public body of fresh water anywhere in Texas. This regulation will help slow the spread of invasive species and applies to all types and sizes of boats whether powered or not: personal watercraft, sailboats, kayaks/canoes, or any other vessel used on public waters.
Learn more about the new statewide draining regulation, including how it impacts the transportation of live bait and fish and the special provisions in the rules for anglers participating in fishing tournaments.
Don’t Be a Carrier: Clean, Drain, Dry
The best way to prevent the spread of invasive species is by always following these three simple steps:
CLEAN off any vegetation, mud or foreign objects on your boat, trailer and gear before you leave the lake.
DRAIN all water from your boat and gear. Small invasive species like zebra mussel larvae are invisible to the naked eye and can hide in the water in your motor, bilge, live wells and bait buckets.
DRY your boat and trailer for a week or more before entering another water body.
Thank you for doing your part to stop the spread of these destructive invaders.
—
Tommy Busbee
www.texasbasscouples.com