Boaters in Texas are reminded their actions are critical to help stem the spread of invasive zebra mussels.
Recent flooding raised fears the dangerous nuisance species may spread.
While recent rains have helped fill reservoirs, rivers and bays across Texas, boaters must remain vigilant when it comes to zebra mussels.
Zebra mussel larvae, called veligers, are suspended in water for a month of so after spawning and they are readily transported by flowing water.
This is the time of year when zebra mussels spawn, and there are many veligers likely to be found in the water.
“However, despite the danger of flood distribution, zebra mussels are also susceptible to rough conditions caused by floods, such as water turbulence, turbidity (cloudy water), and low oxygen levels,” said Brian Van Zee, Inland Fisheries regional director in Waco for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “So these flood conditions could potentially help by causing high levels of zebra mussel mortality. Right now it’s hard to say what impact the flooding will have on zebra mussel populations. We probably won’t really know for months, as we continue monitoring efforts.”
Van Zee said flooding can spread zebra mussels downstream within the same river basin. Read more in the mid-week Bowie News.

Zebra mussels may be more prevalent after recent rains hit north Texas. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department urgers boaters to drain their vessel after each time on the water. Click the image itself for the complete photo. (Courtesy photo by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department)