SJRA chose to go a step further to help protect Lake Conroe from the introduction of zebra mussels by instituting a vessel inspection program in 2014. The San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) is a partner and contributor to the campaign to help stop the spread of zebra mussels in Texas. Machinery or equipment capable of containing water includes, motors, bait buckets, live wells, and other storage compartments. Recognizing the importance of preventing the spread of zebra mussels in Texas, The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) implemented a “Clean, Drain, and Dry” campaign requiring boaters to clean their vessels, drain any water contained within, and allow boats to thoroughly dry before visiting another reservoir. Perhaps the most significant impact of zebra mussels is their ability to clog water intake structures or otherwise damage critical marine infrastructure. Some of the negative impacts of zebra mussels include degradation of water quality, the ability to destroy shorelines, severely damage boats, and impede recreation. Zebra mussels are considered to be an invasive species, meaning that they are not native to local ecosystems and can cause ecologic or economic damage. Throughout the years, the mussels have spread rapidly throughout the Great Lakes system, down the Mississippi River, and are slowly spreading throughout the United States. It is widely accepted that large ships from Europe physically transported these invaders via contaminated water stored in the compartment within a boat ship or floating structure, also known as ballast water. in the 1980’s through the Great Lakes system. Zebra mussels are freshwater mollusks native to Eastern Europe that were first introduced into the U.S.

Dredging mussels from great lakes