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Author: Thompson, Patricia
Email: patricia.thompson@tpwd.texas.gov
Phone: 512-389-8622
Organization: Texas Parks and Wildlife
Address: 4200 Smith School Rd, Austin, TX, 78744

Abstract Title: IMPLEMENTATION OF A SCIENCE-BASED, TARGETED OUTREACH PROGRAM TO ADDRESS A CRITICAL VECTOR FOR ZEBRA MUSSEL INTRODUCTIONS

Abstract Text: Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are a highly invasive species that has negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems, recreation, and the economy. Because people play a key role in the spread of zebra mussels, outreach to increase public awareness is widely recognized as the most effective tool in the fight against zebra mussels. The zebra mussel outreach campaign led by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has evolved over time to increase public awareness and integrate information from boater and focus group surveys to develop messaging that resonates with the public. For 77% of boaters surveyed, the message that just one watercraft carrying an invasive species can cause an infestation in a new lake was a highly motivating reason for taking steps to prevent their spread. Scientific literature identifies the highest-risk vectors as those that result in transport of juvenile or adult mussels attached to barges, boats, other personal watercraft, marina floats, and lifts stored in water that are moved between lakes. Marina surveys in Texas (2015-2017) suggest that as many as 11,000 boats may be stored in water on lakes with zebra mussels and, of these, 900 or more may move to new lakes each year. To address this critical vector, we are continuing to expand targeted marina outreach to augment the clean, drain, and dry campaign. The goal of this program is to foster collaboration between private marinas, TPWD, and river authorities to promote ‘zero tolerance’ policies to prevent the spread of zebra mussels, and increase the probability of early detection.

Conference
Year: TIPPC_2018
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Presenter Type (Student or Regular): Regular
Session: 6. Education and Public Awareness
Submission Date: 2018-07-16

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