Latest news with #GreatLakesFisheryCommission
Economic Times
27-05-2025
- Science
- Economic Times
What's slithering beneath the Great Lakes has 150 teeth, a serrated tongue, and a ruthless hunger that could collapse the entire ecosystem
Canadian and US agencies are collaborating to combat the invasive sea lamprey in the Great Lakes, aiming to protect the $5.1-billion fishery. Control measures, including lampricides and barriers, are being implemented after a surge in lamprey populations due to pandemic-related disruptions and staffing cuts. Sustained efforts are crucial to prevent further damage to native fish and the regional economy. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What are sea lampreys? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The 'Trump' factor The invasive sea lamprey , often dubbed 'vampire fish" for its bloodsucking predation, has prompted Canadian and US agencies to launch a joint campaign to protect the Great Lakes ' $5.1-billion freshwater crews initiated treatments in late April, focusing on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario , with operations expected to continue through methods employed include lampricides (chemical treatments), traps, and barriers aimed at reducing the sea lamprey population, which parasitically feeds on lampreys, native to the Atlantic Ocean, were inadvertently introduced into the Great Lakes via shipping canals in 1921. Lacking natural predators in this new environment, they have wreaked havoc on native fish populations. Using their mouths, equipped with 150 teeth and a serrated tongue, they latch onto prey, often killing up to 40 pounds of fish during their parasitic COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the issue. Travel restrictions in 2020 and 2021 forced crews to pause treatments, allowing millions of lamprey larvae to survive.A new study confirms that lamprey numbers rose sharply during this period. In 2024, adult sea lamprey counts were 8,619 above pre-COVID-19 averages, with Lake Superior and Lake Ontario experiencing the most significant Baker, chair of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, emphasized the urgency:'Ongoing, consistent sea lamprey control is critically important for preventing damage to Great Lakes fish by invasive sea lampreys. If we take our foot off the gas, even for a short while, sea lamprey populations will increase rapidly and cause considerable damage to fish.'The Great Lakes Fishery Commission, established in 1955, has been instrumental in reducing sea lamprey populations by 90 percent in most areas of the Great Lakes. Their integrated control program combines several methods to attack sea lampreys on multiple primary method involves applying the lampricide TFM to target sea lamprey larvae in their nursery tributaries. In the concentrations used, TFM kills larvae before they develop lethal mouths and migrate to the lakes to feed on fish, while most other organisms are Trump administration's mass purge of federal workers, including 12 members of the Great Lakes sea lamprey control program, has raised concerns about the program's efficacy. These staffing cuts represent nearly 14 percent of the lamprey control program's overall workforce, potentially allowing over 1 million lamprey to survive, consuming nearly 5 million pounds of fish and resulting in $105 million in lost economic these setbacks, control efforts have resumed. Scientists and officials warn that the damage done during the pause will take years to Great Lakes Fishery Commission continues to stress the importance of sustained efforts to safeguard the prosperity of the region.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
What's slithering beneath the Great Lakes has 150 teeth, a serrated tongue, and a ruthless hunger that could collapse the entire ecosystem
The invasive sea lamprey , often dubbed 'vampire fish" for its bloodsucking predation, has prompted Canadian and US agencies to launch a joint campaign to protect the Great Lakes ' $5.1-billion freshwater fishery. Control crews initiated treatments in late April, focusing on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario , with operations expected to continue through October. The methods employed include lampricides (chemical treatments), traps, and barriers aimed at reducing the sea lamprey population, which parasitically feeds on fish. What are sea lampreys? Sea lampreys, native to the Atlantic Ocean, were inadvertently introduced into the Great Lakes via shipping canals in 1921. Lacking natural predators in this new environment, they have wreaked havoc on native fish populations. Using their mouths, equipped with 150 teeth and a serrated tongue, they latch onto prey, often killing up to 40 pounds of fish during their parasitic stage. Live Events The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the issue. Travel restrictions in 2020 and 2021 forced crews to pause treatments, allowing millions of lamprey larvae to survive. A new study confirms that lamprey numbers rose sharply during this period. In 2024, adult sea lamprey counts were 8,619 above pre-COVID-19 averages, with Lake Superior and Lake Ontario experiencing the most significant increases. Ethan Baker, chair of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, emphasized the urgency: 'Ongoing, consistent sea lamprey control is critically important for preventing damage to Great Lakes fish by invasive sea lampreys. If we take our foot off the gas, even for a short while, sea lamprey populations will increase rapidly and cause considerable damage to fish.' The Great Lakes Fishery Commission, established in 1955, has been instrumental in reducing sea lamprey populations by 90 percent in most areas of the Great Lakes. Their integrated control program combines several methods to attack sea lampreys on multiple fronts. The primary method involves applying the lampricide TFM to target sea lamprey larvae in their nursery tributaries. In the concentrations used, TFM kills larvae before they develop lethal mouths and migrate to the lakes to feed on fish, while most other organisms are unaffected. The 'Trump' factor The Trump administration's mass purge of federal workers, including 12 members of the Great Lakes sea lamprey control program, has raised concerns about the program's efficacy. These staffing cuts represent nearly 14 percent of the lamprey control program's overall workforce, potentially allowing over 1 million lamprey to survive, consuming nearly 5 million pounds of fish and resulting in $105 million in lost economic output. Despite these setbacks, control efforts have resumed. Scientists and officials warn that the damage done during the pause will take years to reverse. The Great Lakes Fishery Commission continues to stress the importance of sustained efforts to safeguard the prosperity of the region.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Invasive, parasitic fish in Great Lakes thrived during COVID-19
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A study has revealed the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on an invasive parasitic fish that wounds and kills Great Lakes native species like lake trout, whitefish, ciscoes, and walleye. According to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, the sea lamprey feeds on the blood and fluids of other fish by attaching itself with its sharp tongue. The aquatic pest has been wreaking havoc since entering the region from the Atlantic Ocean more than 150 years ago. Experts note that one sea lamprey can kill up to 40 pounds of fish in its parasitic stage. At its most prolific nearly 75 years ago, almost 2.5 million sea lampreys killed 100 million pounds of fish annually. Watch: JD Vance fumbles Buckeyes' national championship trophy In the 1950s, a sea lamprey control program began, which led to populations plummeting to about '10% of their historic highs.' However, COVID-era travel restrictions impeded efforts to reduce or eliminate the creature. Study authors, who published their findings in the journal 'Fisheries,' sought to discover if sea lampreys still 'posed a threat to Great Lakes fisheries' or if 'sea lamprey control [was] still necessary to suppress their populations.' 'When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,' said Dr. Nick Johnson, a research ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey and a co-author on the study. 'When the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced sea lamprey control for two years, our research team made the most of the situation by using it as an unplanned experiment to learn valuable information — nearly impossible to obtain otherwise — about the current impact of control on sea lamprey populations.' The team of 15 scientists found that reductions in applying lampricide, a 'pesticide highly selective to lampreys,' in 2020 and 2021 allowed the organism's population to explode. Marion named nation's Strongest Town 'Like a coiled spring, sea lamprey populations bounced back quickly when control was relaxed,' said Dr. Ben Marcy-Quay, a fish biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey and the lead author of the study. 'Wounding on Chinook and coho salmon, specifically, increased over 10-fold. Our findings support observations by the fishing public and fishery managers of fish riddled with sea lamprey wounds, some containing three or more wounds per fish.' The Great Lakes Fishery Commission asserted that study results confirm that continued vigilance against the sea lamprey is necessary to protect 'Great Lakes fish and the valuable fisheries they support.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
11-04-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Great Lakes Fishery Commission applauds Trump's interest in Asian carp migration prevention
The Great Lakes Fishery Commission says it is hopeful that efforts to prevent Asian carp from migrating into the Great Lakes will continue as planned, given this week's discussion at the White House. During Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's visit to the Oval Office Wednesday, there was a discussion among her, President Trump, and Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall about the need to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes waters. The fisheries commission said Friday that it lauded those efforts, saying it had "renewed hope that key projects, like the one underway at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam, will be completed as planned." The commission has been involved in bipartsan efforts to deal with the ecological situation. "Asian carps would devastate the Great Lakes fishery if they were allowed to enter the system," said Commission Chairman Ethan Baker, who is also the Mayor of Troy, Michigan. "We must do everything we can to keep them out. The multi-billion-dollar fishery is at stake." "Asian carp" collectively refers to three species of fish — bighead, silver and black carp —that are native to Asia and originally raised for food. They were also considered a means to keep water free of algae and other vegetation. Such fish escaped accidentally into public waterways in the southern United States decades ago. They are now considered an invasive species, eating massive quantities of food. Fisheries experts say it takes only a few fish for a population to settle into a region. "We have every reason to be deeply worried about Asian carp," Baker said. "The carps have decimated the fisheries in every waterway they have invaded already — primarily the Mississippi, Illinois, and Ohio Rivers.". An electrical barrier was placed near Romeoville, Illinois, to prevent the carp from migrating further. The next major project is a retrofitting of the Brandon Road Lock and Dam in Joliet, Illinois, led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Michigan and Illinois have already contributed state funding, the project has bipartisan support from Congress. Baker said the commission is "very much encouraged by the president's promise to act."
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Invasive Asian carp are nearing Lake Michigan as Trump, Whitmer discuss ways to stop them
Is there a solution in sight for keeping invasive Asian carp away from the Great Lakes? President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, had discussed at length the need to ensure barriers are put in place to keep invasive Asian carp out of Lake Michigan. If allowed in Lake Michigan, Asian carp could do huge damage to the ecosystem, fishing and tourism. Here's what to know, based on our latest reporting on the issue. A project to keep invasive carp species from reaching the Great Lakes is in jeopardy as the state of Illinois halted its work in February, seeking assurances from the Trump administration that federal funding for the more than $1.1-billion project will not be revoked. The Brandon Road Interbasin Project is a joint project between the federal government and the states of Illinois and Michigan on the Des Plaines River, about 27 miles southwest of Chicago in Joliet, Illinois, and about 40 miles from Lake Michigan. A planned lock and dam system there would include an electric barrier, unappealing sounds for fish and gates of bubbles as deterrents — all designed to deter invasive bighead, silver, black and grass carp from entering the Great Lakes. The carp were imported from Asia to the southern U.S. in the 1960s and 1970s to control algae blooms in aquaculture facilities, farm ponds and sewage lagoons. Floods and human mismanagement helped the carp escape into the Mississippi River system, where their spread exploded. The carp grow fast, eat voraciously and breed prolifically. A single female can produce a million eggs or more, and the fish can grow up to 100 pounds. Scientists believe the invaders would out-compete native species and Michigan's prized sports fish, creating ecological chaos on the Great Lakes. Bighead and silver carp are now within 47 miles of Lake Michigan, according to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Rock Island Illinois District and the states of Illinois and Michigan last July 1 announced the signing of a project partnership agreement for the Brandon Road lock and dam, moving it into the construction phase. The agreement allowed $274 million in federal funding, including $226 million provided by then-President Joe Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and $114 million in state funding from Illinois and Michigan to be used for construction of the first of three construction increments of the $1.15 billion project. But Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Natalie Phelps Finnie, in a Feb. 10 letter to Col. Aaron Williams, commander of the Army Corps' Rock Island District, advised that state officials were postponing a Feb. 11 property rights closing on riverbed property needed in the first phase of construction. "The Trump administration's lack of clarity and commitment to delivering funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources leaves the state to anticipate a lack of federal funding for the Brandon Road Project," Phelps Finnie stated. She stated that the state would seek a potential new property rights closing date in May "to allow Illinois to receive written assurances of federal funding." "We stand ready to move forward if the administration provides the certainty to fund this critical project," Phelps Finnie stated. Illinois Gov. JB Prizker said in February that the Trump administration, since taking office Jan. 20, has withheld $117 million in federal grants for the Illinois DNR, forcing the state to pause contracts and put nearly 70 infrastructure projects on hold. "Despite court orders, the Trump administration continues to withhold funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources — to create jobs cleaning up abandoned mines and gas wells that are polluting air and water in rural communities," Pritzker, a Democrat, said in a statement. "I have a responsibility to protect Illinois taxpayers. If the federal government does not live up to its obligations, Illinois could unfairly suffer the burden of hundreds of millions of dollars of liability. We cannot move forward until the Trump administration provides more certainty and clarity on whether they will follow the law and deliver infrastructure funds we were promised." Michigan DNR Director Scott Bowen also expressed his concern in February. "It is imperative that the work at Brandon Road continues in order to protect the Great Lakes commercial and recreational fishery, which is valued at $7 billion annually and supports more than 75,000 jobs,' he said. The Brandon Road lock and dam "is one of the most important Great Lakes protection projects of the 21st century," said Joel Brammeier, president and CEO of the nonprofit, Chicago-based Alliance for the Great Lakes. "Everybody who lives in Michigan, and lots of people elsewhere, understands the damage that invasive species have done to the Great Lakes — to tourism, costs to industries and utilities, to recreation, to the quality of life of people who live there." Great Lakes invaders such as sea lampreys and zebra and quagga mussels have meant "the citizens of Great Lakes states are still paying — whether they know it or not — hundreds of millions of dollars annually in costs from previous invasions," Brammeier said. "So stopping new invasive species from getting in is job one." Whether the Trump administration will provide assurances of the project's future funding remains unclear. Brammeier noted that the Corps had already begun prep work on the river channel where facilities will be constructed and technology installed, and that work is continuing. "(Illinois officials) put out there that they want things to be back on track by May," he said. "I think the Army Corps can weather that and keep its part of the project moving. But you get beyond that and you really start to run a much bigger risk to the overall project." Todd Spangler contributed. Contact Keith Matheny: kmatheny@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Trump, Whitmer discuss Asian carp nearing Lake Michigan, Great Lakes
