DENTON (UNT), Texas -- University of North Texas Regents Professor of Biology James Kennedy is available for media interviews to discuss zebra mussels and their impact on area ecosystems. Kennedy recently found an adult zebra mussel about a mile downstream from Lake Ray Roberts in the Elm Fork of the Trinity River.
Zebra mussels, which were introduced to Texas waters about five years ago, multiply quickly and latch on to solid surfaces such as boats, pipes and drains. Zebra mussels often are transported to new bodies of water on unwashed boats, and their presence affects water quality and damages native ecosystems.
“Although zebra mussels were reported in Ray Roberts last summer, this is the first record of one in the river,” he said.
Kennedy can be reached by e-mail at James.Kennedy@unt.edu or by phone at 940-565-2981.