Statewide boat-draining rule takes effect July 1
Fri, 2014-06-27 05:00
News Staff
Beginning July 1, boaters must drain all water from their boat and on-board receptacles before leaving or approaching a body of fresh water anywhere in Texas. The new Texas Parks and Wildlife Department regulation is designed to help combat the further spread of zebra mussels and other invasive species. It applies to all types and sizes of boats whether powered or not: personal watercraft, sailboats, kayaks/canoes, or any other vessel used on public waters. The regulation requires the draining of livewells, bilges, motors, and any other receptacles or water-intake systems coming into contact with public waters. Live fish, including personally caught live bait, cannot be transported from the water body where the fish were caught in or aboard a vessel in water from the water body where the fish were caught.
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