DALLAS (1080 KRLD) - Zebra mussels have infested two more Austin area lakes. Now, 17 Texas lakes in five river basins are infested with zebra mussels. Monica McGarrity with Texas Parks and Wildlife says the mussels have been found in Lake Lyndon B. Johnson in the Colorado River basin, and Lake Pflugerville.
McGarrity says, "Now that they've been moved upstream to Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, it's inevitable that they are going to move downstream into Lake Marble Falls. This will cause a lot of economic impact in addition to recreational impacts in both lakes."
McGarrity also says that zebra mussels can clog pipes, damage boat motors, and affect other aquatic life. In Texas, it is unlawful to possess or transport zebra mussels, dead or alive. Boaters are required to drain all water from their boat and onboard receptacles before leaving or approaching a body of fresh water to prevent the transfer of zebra mussels and other invasive species. Zebra mussel larvae are microscopic and can survive for days in residual water. Adult zebra mussels can survive even longer out of the water, especially in cooler months. The requirement to drain 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.
Anyone who finds zebra mussels in lakes where they haven't been found before, or who spots them on boats, trailers, or equipment that is being moved, is encouraged to help prevent new introductions by immediately reporting the sighting to TPWD at (512) 389-4848 or by emailing photos and location information to aquaticinvasives@tpwd.texas.gov.
