Environmental Protection
US Fish & Wildlife will be working with SNI Fish & Wildlife to treat Cattaraugus Creek with lampricide from May 24th through June 2nd in order to control sea lamprey. Sea lamprey is a parasitic fish native to the northern and western Atlantic Ocean that has invaded the Great lakes and their watersheds. Lamprey have a disc-shaped, suction-cup mouth, ringed with sharp, horny teeth that latch onto fish and feed on their blood and body fluids. One lamprey kills about 40 pounds of fish every year.
The application of lampricide requires a dye to mark where the product is flowing. So if you are seeing yellowish color streak in the waters of Cattaraugus Creek during this time, it is completely normal. Studies have shown that no adverse effects result from contact with lampricides and the water is still safe for recreation.
Please contact SNI Fish & Wildlife if you have any questions.
