Ann Arbor, MI—A recent study funded by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission has concluded sea lamprey trapping can be improved significantly when electricity is used.
The study, led by scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, demonstrated a 75% sea lamprey capture rate when electricity was used to “guide” lampreys to traps, compared to an average rate of 50% without electricity.
Sea lamprey trapping is an integral component of the successful sea lamprey control program, and this study suggests the control technique, with relatively simple changes, can be enhanced significantly. Sea lamprey control is essential to the $7 billion Great Lakes fishery.
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