AMARILLO, Texas — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has confirmed that Lake Meredith is fully infested with zebra mussels after surveys found an established and reproducing population of the invasive species.
According to the agency, partners with the United States Geological Survey first detected microscopic zebra mussel larvae at three locations in the lake. Days later, anglers recovered a camp chair from the water with multiple zebra mussels of varying sizes attached, indicating the population had been reproducing since at least last fall.
Texas Parks and Wildlife staff later surveyed shoreline rocks throughout the lake and found settled zebra mussels at every location they inspected.
The agency said zebra mussels have now spread to 40 Texas lakes, including 35 that are considered fully infested.
Brian Van Zee, the department’s inland fisheries regional director, said many Texas lakes remain free of the invasive species but continue to face the risk of infestation.
Officials said the discovery at Lake Meredith is significant because it represents the continued westward spread of zebra mussels into a new river basin in the Texas Panhandle, raising concerns that the species could spread into western states.
Monica McGarrity, the department’s senior scientist for aquatic invasive species, said the infestation provides a potential pathway for the species to expand into previously unaffected waters.
The department said zebra mussels can damage boats and water infrastructure while disrupting aquatic ecosystems and harming native species.
Officials said contaminated boats and equipment remain one of the primary ways zebra mussels spread between lakes. The agency advises boaters to contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department before moving equipment that has been stored in infested waters.
Transporting zebra mussels is illegal in Texas and may result in fines of up to $500 per violation, according to the department.