Hydrilla Decline in East Texas Lakes Changes Fishing Habitat

/ Published in Aquatic Invasive Species, Recreation & Fisheries
Native to Africa and believed to have been introduced to American waters from the aquarium trade in the 1960’s, hydrilla has quickly spread across the southern U.S. from Connecticut to California.
A native of India that first found its way to the U.S. as vegetation for aquariums in the 1950s, hydrilla was abundant in East Texas lakes 20 years ago. It was a recreational nightmare around boat docks and swim areas where it surfaces and forms thick mats. On the other hand, edges and holes were