Giant Salvinia Found at Lake Athens

ATHENS – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department inland fisheries staff found under an acre of invasive giant salvinia in Lake Athens. It was found Monday in various locations near the Lake Athens Marina boat ramp. The next day a containment boom was deployed from just west of the boat ramp across the cove to the Athens Municipal Water Authority office. The proximity of the Lake Athens’ infestation to the boat ramp leads biologists to believe giant salvinia was introduced by a boater or angler carrying the invasive species on their boat or equipment.

With the largemouth bass and crappie spawns around the corner, anglers can still access the enclosed area to fish by crossing the boom only in spots that are clear of giant salvinia. It is recommended that anglers idle over the boom until the outboard motor gets close, then kill and raise the motor and ease over the boom with a trolling motor, paddle or push pole.

Giant salvinia has been present in Texas for nearly 20 years. Giant salvinia was first discovered on Toledo Bend in 1998 and has since spread throughout East Texas. In addition to current infestations at Toledo Bend, Sam Rayburn and Caddo Lake, the invasive plant has been newly introduced or reintroduced at six Texas lakes since 2017: Lake Murvaul, Lake Palestine, Martin Creek Lake, Lake Fork, Lake Nacogdoches and now Lake Athens.

The parks and wildlife department urges all boaters, anglers, duck hunters and lake-front property owners should learn to identify giant salvinia as well as other invasive species that occur in Texas waters. Most importantly, boaters should remember to clean their boats and trailers before leaving the boat ramp. Transporting giant salvinia, along with other invasive species, is prohibited by law and punishable by a fine of up to $500 per violation.