SPORT FISHING: The solution to one invasive species may 
be a fork, knife ... and a little seasoning. Find out more on 
Passport to Texas.

This is Passport to Texas

When you hear the word tilapia, you may think of a savory 
meal with lemon butter sauce, but you probably don't 
think of the term "invasive species."

11 -- The tilapia are great to eat. They're raised as a food fish, and 
they're quite tasty. They're quite popular in restaurants. But the problem 
is when they're in our natural waters they are upsetting the ecosystem.




Tilapia have been in Texas for decades. They were 
originally brought in as a food source to be raised in fish 
farms, but eventually made they're way into Texas waters.

Gary Garrett, a TPWD fisheries biologist, says tilapia can 
be a threat to large mouth bass and other native species.

16 -- They build big pit nests and in doing that they stir up a lot of the 
settlement. And it's been shown, for example, with large mouth bass, all 
that sediment stirred up and settling back down will often kill large 
mouth bass eggs.





When tilapia do this, they can potentially damage the 
entire ecosystem because of the intricate food chain.

TPWD does have state regulations for tilapia, but because 
tilapia are found all over the state, they are difficult to 
control. But if you like to fish, Garrett says you can help.

03 -- Don't throw them back. If you catch them, keep them.

So next time you catch a tilapia, turn on the grill and get 
cooking. You'll be doing yourself and the Texas 
ecosystem a favor. The SF Restoration program supports 
our series ... and works to increase fishing and boating 
opportunities in Texas.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife, I'm Cecilia Nasti.

Total sound bite time:			0:29.5
Maximum Script time:			0:55.5	 	 Suggested show time: 85.0 = 1:25