Aquatic Invasive Species Initiatives in Texas Luci Cook-Hildreth Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept.
Aquatic Invasive Species in Texas Aquaculture Aquarium Releases Riparian Invasive Species Zebra Mussels Aquatic Weeds
Aquaculture
Tilapia in Texas Three species permitted for aquaculture 36 active permits back to 1992 (5 in past yr) Hybrids found throughout state
Fish Farming of the Future Interest in aquaponics has increased Tilapia are preferred fish Increased demand = revision of current state laws
Bighead and Silver Carp Native to Asia (food fish) Phytoplankton diet = competition for larval fish, mussels, some adult fish More reports in Texas = change in bait fish regulations Asian Carp
Asian Carp vs. Gizzard Shad The regulation would make it illegal for anglers to transport live non-game fish, such as the gizzard or threadfin shad away from waters that are known to contain Asian carp, also known as bighead and silver carp. Big Cypress Bayou below Lake O' the Pines, Caddo Lake, and the Sulphur River below the Lake Wright Patman Dam
Aquarium Releases
Aquarium Fish in Texas Waters Approximately 45 to 60 fish species (marine and fresh water) introduced to TX USGS Database; Howells 01 Approximately 20 of these species are thought to be from the Aquarium Trade
Armored Catfish (Hypostomus/Pterygoplichthys) Native to South America In Texas since 1950 s Possible dietary overlap with native herbivores/detritivores Degrade shorelines Increase turbidity Can alter periphyton and macro invertebrate community
Other Exotic Catfish Family: Pimelodidae Origin: South America Affected TX water bodies/regions: Upper Coastal area Ecosystem impacts: Unknown Perrunichthys perruno (Reticulated Pimelodid) upper Phractocephalus hemioliopterus (Red tail catfish) lower
Piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri ) Native to South America Prohibited in Texas Two confirmed in Texas Kendall Co 1982 Harris Co 2011 Not yet established in Texas Cannot survive temperatures below 50F
Apple Snails (Pomacea insularum ) Native to South America P. insularum in Texas since 1990 s Known to carry rat lungworm parasite Potential threat to aquatic agriculture Threat to native aquatic plants/wetlands Compete with native gastropods/herbivores/ detritivores
Why Do People Release Fish? Project with Houston Advanced Research Center Need better alternatives Tools to create more target specific management strategies
Education/Outreach Efforts State Programs Texas Invasives.org (http://www.texasinvasives.org/) National Programs with state involvement Habitattitude (http://www.habitattitude.net/) Pet Industry Joint Advisory Committee (http://pijac.org/) Responsible Fish Keeping Initiative (http://www.fishchannel.com/rfi.aspx) Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force
Riparian Invasive Species
Giant Reed (Arundo donax ) Big drinkers up to 24ac ft/yr/ac Drought tolerant Sprouts from nodes Prohibited in Texas
Elephant Ear (Colocasia esculenta ) Invade wetlands and colonize along river and lake banks Dense growth crowds out natives Still being sold in Texas
Recent Management Actions Hill Country Stream Habitat Restoration Guadalupe Bass Initiative (Llano, and Pedernales) Nueces and Sabinal USDA biological controls for Arundo donax
Zebra Mussels
Zebra Mussels (Dreissena polymorpha ) Reported in Lake Texoma by 2009 Now in Red and Trinity River basin Colonizing inside of pipelines, boat hulls and plumbing Easy to spread!!!
Outreach and Education Efforts Invasive Species Hide Here cards Clean, Drain, and Dry Your Boat TexasInvasives.org Buoys and signage
Aquatic Weeds
Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata ) In Texas since 1970 s 110 public water bodies; 14 water sheds Grass carp
Giant Salvinia (Salvinia molesta ) In Texas since 1998 19 public water bodies; 8 water sheds Salvinia weevil rearing facility Common salvinia
Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes ) In Texas since 1940 s 35 public water bodies; 14 water sheds Herbicide application
Outreach and Education Efforts Giant Salvinia campaign in East Texas Texas Invasives.org (http://www.texasin vasives.org/) Clean, drain, dry Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers
Limited Resources Texas Invasive Species Program Budget FY 2011 $1.7 million 10,366 acres treated FY 2012 $0.7 million 10,500 acres* FY 2013 $0.5 million 3,455 acres** *The number of acres that can be treated should remain stable during FY 2012 due to herbicide that was stockpiled during FY 2011 in anticipation of a reduced budget. **By FY 2013 stockpiles of herbicide will be depleted. All funds will be federal boating access money and will be dependent on the availability of matching funds from local entities.
Looking Ahead TPWD will continue to work with partners to leverage funds for AIS management work Continued involvement with awareness campaigns and out reach actives Participation in state and regional workgroups SARP AIS Workgroup ANSTF regional panels
Thank You!
FY 11 Treatments Hydrilla Acres in Texas Acres treated FY11 45,000-80,000 3,059 (4-7%) Hyacinth Acres in Texas Acres treated FY11 6,000-12,000 3,710 (31-62%) Salvinia Acres in Texas Acres treated FY11 6,000-13,000 3,407 (26-57%) Arundo, Acres in Texas Acres treated FY11 Milfoil, 25,000-62,000 190 (0.3-0.8%) etc. Total Acres in Texas Acres treated FY11 82,000-167,000 10,366 (6-13%)