Presenters: Brian Van Zee

Commission Agenda Item No. 9
Briefing
Status of Zebra Mussels in Texas
January 28, 2010

I. Executive Summary: An overview of the status of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) in Texas will be provided. Zebra mussels were first discovered in the U.S. in the Great Lakes in the mid 1980s. Zebra mussels have spread throughout much of the Great Lakes region, the Mississippi and Missouri River watersheds, and as far west as California. The first discovery of zebra mussels in Texas was in 2006 on a boat that had been transported to Lake Texoma from out of state. Since then, additional boats have been intercepted and cleaned near Lake Texoma. However, in April 2009 the first live specimen was found in Lake Texoma. Since April, zebra mussels have been found in numerous locations throughout Lake Texoma. In addition, three zebra mussels have been found outside of Lake Texoma in West Prong Sister Grove Creek, which is above Lake Lavon and is in the headwaters of the Trinity River system. Some potential environmental and economic impacts to Texas will be discussed as well as what is being done to slow their spread throughout the state.