Researchers at Michigan State University have made strides in understanding the migration patterns of invasive sea lampreys in the Great Lakes, potentially offering new strategies for managing this species. The study, conducted by doctoral student Kandace Griffin and Professor Michael Wagner, was published in the Journal of Experimental Biology with funding from the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.
Sea lampreys pose a significant threat to large fish species in the Great Lakes, which are crucial to both ecosystems and the region’s $7 billion fishing industry. Traditional methods of controlling these parasitic fish include using dams and lampricide, but these approaches have drawbacks such as disrupting river ecosystems or facing resistance from some communities.
The MSU researchers utilized acoustic telemetry to track 56 sea lampreys in the White River near Whitehall, Michigan. This method involved tagging each fish with a device that emits sound, allowing researchers to monitor their movements. They found that nearly half of the tracked lampreys consistently stayed in the deepest parts of the river.
Professor Wagner highlighted that understanding where sea lamprey movement paths converge could help in designing effective traps or fishing devices. “For nearly 20 years we have been discovering how sea lampreys migrate along coasts and through rivers,” he said. “Now, thanks to Kandace’s work, we know where their movement paths come together near a riverbank — the perfect place to install a trap or other fishing device.”
The research aims not only to enhance existing control methods but also to explore new ones by gathering global knowledge on capturing migratory lampreys. “We want to talk with communities who have histories fishing these animals,” Wagner noted.
Griffin emphasized that open water trapping could complement current practices while promoting river connectivity. “Hopefully, we can use this as a supplemental control method,” she stated.
Wagner added that they seek comprehensive solutions beyond lampricide: “We want our science to help solve real-world problems.”
