Anglers and Boaters Anglers and Boaters Protect Fishing for Current Protect Fishing for Current

and Future Generationsand Future Generations

Program funded by your purchase of fishing and motorboat fuels as authorized by the federally-assisted program Wallop-Breaux.

Good Fish Habitat = Good FishingGood Fish Habitat = Good Fishing

What are the threats?

What can we do?

The Threat: Reduced in-stream The Threat: Reduced in-stream flows due to drought and increased flows due to drought and increased

water demandwater demand

In 2001, the Rio Grande failed to reach the Gulf due to a combination of drought and overuse.

Freshwater inflow is crucial to bay and estuary systems and the life they sustain.

Texas’ population

is expected to double by mid-century, threatening

other Texas rivers with the

same fate if nothing is done.

What Can Anglers and Boaters Do?What Can Anglers and Boaters Do? Practice water conservation at home

and work.Remember to:

1.Run appliances like dishwashers only when full.

2.Use low-flow toilets and shower heads.

3.Cut faucets off as soon as possible.

Do Do notnot water your water your lawn…lawn…

• using a fine mist sprinkler.

• when water is in short supply.

• during the heat of the day

NEVER dispose of cleaners or pesticides in a toilet, sink or storm drain.

Use biodegradable products for house and lawn care.

Become knowledgeable about local water Become knowledgeable about local water issues and support issues and support

water conservation laws.water conservation laws.

http://www.texasthestateofwater.org

The Threat: Pollution from urban The Threat: Pollution from urban areas, industry and agricultureareas, industry and agriculture

The Threat: The Threat: Development and Development and poor land poor land management that management that destroy wetland destroy wetland and riparian areasand riparian areas

The Threat: Dams, culverts and The Threat: Dams, culverts and channelization that disrupt natural channelization that disrupt natural stream function and connections stream function and connections between water bodiesbetween water bodies

What Can Anglers and Boaters Do?What Can Anglers and Boaters Do?

• Support strong water conservation laws and laws that protect aquatic habitats.

• Become knowledgeable about local water issues.

• Support development practices that protect wetlands and riparian areas.

The Threat: The Threat: Litter and Litter and

illegal illegal dumpingdumping

What Can Anglers and Boaters Do?What Can Anglers and Boaters Do? Pick up any litter you find when fishing or

boating.

Clean up motor boat oil or gasoline spills. Take care at the pump.

• Reduce consumption of non-recyclable items.

• Reuse and recycle items when possible.

• Report illegal

dumping.

The Threat: Invasive speciesThe Threat: Invasive species

Giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta), a floating fern from southern Brazil, is currently one of the most problematic aquatic plants in Texas

What Can Anglers and Boaters Do?What Can Anglers and Boaters Do?

Learn about aquatic invaders that threaten our rivers, lakes and streams.

Zebra Mussels

Hydrilla

Call a TPWD office if you see Giant Salvinia or Zebra Mussels and report what you see.

Clean boats, motors and trailers at the ramp when exiting the water. Drain bilges at the water’s edge.

Don’t dump bait buckets and aquariums in waterways.

The Threat: Boat The Threat: Boat propellers that propellers that destroy sea destroy sea grass bedsgrass beds

What Can Anglers and Boaters Do?What Can Anglers and Boaters Do?

Observe “no-prop” zones in shallow bays and estuaries.

The Threat: Improper dredging The Threat: Improper dredging and sand and gravel miningand sand and gravel mining

What Can Anglers and Boaters Do?What Can Anglers and Boaters Do?

• Be watchful when on the water. • Report any improper dredging and

sand and gravel mining to local authorities.

Purchase fishing licenses

Observe fishing regulations.

Teach others to fish.

Together…anglers and boaters Together…anglers and boaters can make a difference.can make a difference.