Oct. 30, 2023
Media Contact: TPWD News, Business Hours, 512-389-8030
Hunters Reminded to Prevent Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species
AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is urging hunters to take action against the spread of aquatic invasive species like giant salvinia and zebra mussels as waterfowl season approaches. By implementing simple measures, hunters can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 14: Life Below Water.
Preventing the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species
Hunters play a crucial role in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species. To ensure these species do not establish new homes, hunters are advised to clean, drain, and dry their boats and equipment, including decoys and other hunting gear, before moving from one lake to another. This practice helps prevent the entanglement or trapping of aquatic invasive plants on boats and boat trailers.
Giant Salvinia: A Major Threat
Giant salvinia is one of the most problematic aquatic invasive plants in Texas. It can double in size and acreage in less than a week, obstructing access for boats. Even a small fragment of giant salvinia or other aquatic invasive plants can cause an infestation in a new lake. This highlights the critical importance of cleaning, draining, and drying boats and gear for waterfowl hunters.
John Findeisen, TPWD Aquatic Habitat Enhancement Team Lead, emphasizes that giant salvinia not only blocks access to prime waterfowl hunting areas but also outgrows and replaces native plants that waterfowl rely on for food and habitat.
Threats from Zebra and Quagga Mussels
Zebra and quagga mussels pose significant threats in Texas. Currently, zebra mussels are found in 36 Texas lakes across seven river basins, as well as in river reaches downstream of infested lakes. These invasive species can harm aquatic life, damage boats, clog water intakes, and cause costly damage to water supply and control infrastructure. It is crucial for waterfowl hunters to remove plants and debris from their boats, drain water before leaving the lake, and allow everything to dry completely before traveling to a new location.
Preventing Further Spread and Legal Consequences
In addition to the harm caused to aquatic ecosystems and water infrastructure, transporting prohibited aquatic invasive species in Texas is illegal and punishable with a fine of up to $500 per violation. Boaters must drain all water from their boats and onboard receptacles, remove all invasive plants from the boat, trailer, and tow vehicle before leaving a lake, and ensure that other equipment like waders, decoys, decoy bags, and marsh sleds are properly cleaned, drained, and dried.
Reporting Invasive Species Sightings
TPWD and its partners monitor for invasive species in Texas lakes. If anyone finds them in lakes where they haven’t been reported before or spots them on boats, trailers, or equipment being moved, they are encouraged to report the sighting to TPWD immediately at (512) 389-4848 or by emailing photos and location information for new invasions to aquaticinvasives@tpwd.texas.gov. By reporting these sightings, individuals can help identify and prevent new introductions of invasive species.
Conclusion
Waterfowl hunters have a significant role to play in protecting Texas lakes from the spread of aquatic invasive species. By following simple cleaning, draining, and drying practices, hunters can contribute to the preservation of ecosystems, infrastructure, and recreation opportunities. These efforts align with the SDGs and contribute to the overall goal of protecting and preserving Texas lakes for current and future generations.
To learn more about giant salvinia, zebra mussels, and other invasive species in Texas, visit tpwd.texas.gov/StopInvasives.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 14: Life Below Water
- Target 14.4: By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics.
- Indicator 14.4.1: Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels.
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SDG 15: Life on Land
- Target 15.8: By 2020, introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems and control or eradicate the priority species.
- Indicator 15.8.1: Proportion of countries adopting relevant national legislation and adequately resourcing the prevention or control of invasive alien species.
Analysis
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SDG 14: Life Below Water
The article addresses the issue of aquatic invasive species, such as giant salvinia and zebra mussels, which can harm aquatic life and ecosystems. This aligns with SDG 14, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
Specifically, Target 14.4 of SDG 14 focuses on regulating harvesting and ending destructive fishing practices to restore fish stocks. While the article does not directly mention fishing practices, it emphasizes the importance of preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species, which can negatively impact fish populations and their habitats.
The article does not mention any indicators related to Target 14.4.
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SDG 15: Life on Land
The article also highlights the threat of invasive species, including giant salvinia and zebra mussels, to land and water ecosystems. This aligns with SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
Target 15.8 of SDG 15 specifically addresses the prevention and control of invasive alien species. The article emphasizes the importance of taking measures to prevent the introduction and reduce the impact of invasive species on ecosystems.
The article does not mention any indicators related to Target 15.8.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | Target 14.4: By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics. | Indicator 14.4.1: Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.8: By 2020, introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems and control or eradicate the priority species. | Indicator 15.8.1: Proportion of countries adopting relevant national legislation and adequately resourcing the prevention or control of invasive alien species. |
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Source: tpwd.texas.gov
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