It's The Law: On The Water

Protect Texas Lakes and Waterways from Invasive Plants and Animals

Managing non-native aquatic plants that have been introduced into Texas waterways costs millions of dollars annually. Non-native aquatic plants, such as common salvinia, giant salvinia, and alligator weed, can cause significant environmental harm. These invasive aquatic plants can overshadow beneficial native submersed plants and lower oxygen levels; hamper the feeding of sport fish; threaten human health by creating ideal mosquito breeding habitats; restrict water flow, resulting in flooding; and increase the sediment in waterways.

To curb the spread of these invasive species, you are required by law to remove harmful plants and animals from your boat and trailer. Before launching and before leaving a boat ramp, you must:

• Remove aquatic plants from your boat, motor, and trailer. Check all underwater fittings and equipment.
• Dispose of vegetation properly. Empty your bait bucket on land.
• Drain your equipment, including the motor, bilges, live wells, bait buckets, and cooler.
• Rinse your vessel, propeller, trailer, and equipment, using a high-pressure washer if available. Dry everything for at least five days, if possible.

More information can be found on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website at tpwd.state.tx.us. The Fishing and Boating Page (Boating section, Navigation Aids, Seagrasses) gives extensive information on marine seagrasses, and on freshwater exotic and invasive plants and animals.