Effects of Control of the Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) on Migratory and Resident Fish Populations

Abstract

Information from the records of the various agencies on control of the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) was summarized from the early approach to control by mechanical or electrical barriers and chemical toxicants. While fish kill has been an inescapable consequence of the program, information available for migratory species has shown no large-scale detrimental effects. The only reportable instance of damage to a resident stream species has been the near loss of the stonecat (Noturus flavus) from tributaries to the southwest corner of Lake Superior, resulting from chemical treatments. Although no similar occurrences were recognized, available documentation proved inadequate to record long-term effects on these vulnerable species. As long as existing control methods continue, no matter the precautions taken, fish populations will be affected. Whether or not this remains a tenable situation is a question for this symposium and the future.Key words: weirs, chemicals, fish kills, sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus; Catostomus catostomus, Catostomus commersoni, Noturus flavus, Salvelinus fontinalis

Freshwater Protected Areas: Strategies for Conservation

“…Despite these benefits, the principal removal technique, lampricide (3‐trifluoromethyl‐4‐nitrophenol [TFM]) application in streams used by adult sea lamprey for spawning and larval rearing, has not had entirely positive results. The use of TFM has been linked to the near extirpation of stonecat ( Noturus flavus ), a native fish species, and to increased mortality rates in aquatic worms, mayflies, caddisfly larvae, and amphibians ( Dahl & McDonald 1980; Gilderhus & Johnson 1980). The costs and benefits to native communities of erradication and control techniques must always be assessed carefully prior to their implementation.…”

Use of physiological knowledge to control the invasive sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in the Laurentian Great Lakes

“…Even though much has been learned about the mode of action of lampricides, particularly TFM, elucidation of exactly how TFM and niclosamide disrupt oxidative phosphorylation could provide further information to enhance current lampricide treatments and insights into the identification and development of more effective and selective lampricides. Although the effects of lampricides on stream macro-invertebrates has been studied ( Gilderhus et al, 1975 ; Maki et al, 1975 ; Gilderhus and Johnson, 1980 ; Waller et al, 2003 ; Weisser et al, 2003 ; Boogaard and Rivera, 2011 ; Boogaard et al, 2015 ; Newton et al, 2017 ), research addressing the non-target effects of lampricides has mostly focused on fishes ( Dahl and McDonald, 1980 ; Boogaard et al, 2003 ). A more complete understanding of lampricide effects on a suite of aquatic organisms would provide insights on how to be more effective at targeting sea lamprey while minimizing impacts to non-target organisms through the revision of protocols or the development of new lampricides.…”

Effects of Lampricide on Olfaction and Behavior in Young-of-the-Year Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens)

“…Although TFM is selectively toxic to lampreys, some other fishes may be killed . Lake sturgeon ( Acipenser fulvescens ), black bullhead ( Ameiurus melas ), channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ), white suckers ( Catostomus commersonii ), longnose suckers ( Catostomus catostomus ), and northern pike ( Esox lucius) are among the most sensitive. , Notable lampricide-induced mortalities in Great Lakes tributaries include five instances of 10 000–30 000 sucker mortalities, two instances of 1000 and 5000 walleye mortalities, one instance each of 12 500 northern pike, 5000 carp, 10 000 brown bullheads, and 2000 brown trout mortalities . High mortality of small forage fishes in streams has occasionally occurred as well .…”