New Zebra Mussels Rules Approved For North Texas
AUSTIN (CBSDFW.COM) - The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved new rules for North Texas boaters in an attempt to prevent the further spread of zebra mussels.
Boaters will be required in 17 North Texas counties to drain all water from their vessels, which includes powered and non-powered boats, personal watercraft, sailboats. The following counties are affected: Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Fannin, Grayson, Hood, Jack, Kaufman, Montague, Palo Pinto, Parker, Rockwall, Stephens, Tarrant, Wise, and Young counties.
Live fish will no longer be allowed to be transported in water from the body of water where they were caught. Also, live bait can only be used in water where it was caught. Anglers wanting to transport live bait in water will need to have a receipt showing where the bait was purchased.
The new rules will begin in late December 2013 or January 2014.
"Unfortunately, zebra mussel larvae, called veligers, are not visible to the naked eye," said Brian Van Zee, TPWD Inland Fisheries regional director based in Waco. "You could be transporting them on your boat and not even know it. This is why it's particularly important to always Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat and gear before heading to another water body."
Zebra mussels are small, but have spread rapidly in Texas waters. They are native to Europe and Asia, appearing in North American in the late 1980s. Within the past 10 years, they have spread to all five Great Lakes, the Mississippi, Tennessee, Hudson, and Ohio rivers, according to a statement issued by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. They are considered a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems.
Another 28 North and Central Texas counties could be added to the list where boat-draining is mandatory. The commission will consider expanding the rule at its January meeting.
Click here for more information on zebra mussels and how to clean, drain and dry a boat.
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