Zebra mussels spread across all Great Lakes within a decade of arriving in 1988

An invasive species that rapidly spread across North America's Great Lakes in the late 1980s has now established a significant presence in Texas, with officials confirming an infestation in Lake Meredith.

Zebra mussels, native to Eurasia, arrived in North America via ship ballast water in 1988. They are known for their ability to cling to hard surfaces, multiply quickly, and cause damage to ecosystems, native species, and infrastructure. Their sharp shells also pose a hazard along shorelines. The species' rapid spread across the Great Lakes within a decade was facilitated by their ability to travel on boats, trailers, and equipment.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) confirmed in June 2026 that Lake Meredith, located near Amarillo, now hosts an established, reproducing zebra mussel population. This marks the state's 35th fully infested lake. The detection included both larvae and settled mussels of various sizes, indicating a breeding population rather than a transient one.

Officials are particularly concerned that Lake Meredith could serve as a "stepping stone" for the invasive mussels to spread further westward into other water bodies. The TPWD emphasizes the continued importance of boat cleaning and draining procedures to prevent further contamination. The state's current map shows 35 lakes fully infested, with detections in others not yet confirmed to have reproducing populations, illustrating the ongoing expansion of the invasion.