Submitted by Dana Maybee, EPD
Sea lampreys are a type of parasitic fish that resemble eels. They have a unique look due to their long, slender bodies and a suction-cup-like mouth filled with sharp teeth. Unlike most fish, lampreys have an ancient, jawless anatomy that enables them to latch onto other fish and feed on their blood and bodily fluids.
Environmental Impact:
In ecosystems like the Great Lakes, where they are an invasive species, sea lampreys can cause serious harm. Native to the Atlantic Ocean and some inland rivers, they didn’t naturally belong in the Great Lakes system but entered through man-made shipping canals. Once there, they began preying on native fish such as trout, salmon, and whitefish. Since these native fish had no natural defenses against the lampreys, their populations began to plummet.
Economic Impact:
The decline in native fish populations caused by sea lampreys has significant economic consequences. Many communities around the Great Lakes rely on fishing for their livelihood. By drastically reducing the numbers of commercially valuable fish, lampreys have damaged the fishing industry, leading to job losses and decreased income for those dependent on fishing. Sport fishing, which attracts tourists and contributes to local economies, is also adversely affected, further impacting communities financially.
To manage the damage caused by sea lampreys, specialized chemical called TFM lampricide (3-Trifluroromethyl-4-Nitrophenol) is used. This is applied to rivers and streams to kill lamprey larvae before they mature into adults. This process helps maintain a balance, protecting native fish and, by extension, the economic interests tied to fishing.
In 2025, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed the treatment of Clear Creek, a tributary to Cattaraugus Creek, sometime during April 22 – May 1. The proposed treatment of the mainstream of Cattaraugus Creek would occur within May 6 – 15. These treatments are part of ongoing efforts to control lamprey populations and preserve the health and economic vitality of the Great Lakes region. During the scheduled application, we advise the community to avoid fishing and swimming.
In addition to lampricides, other methods are employed, such as building barriers to prevent lampreys from reaching their spawning grounds and using traps to capture them. This integrated approach helps keep their numbers in check and reduces the negative impacts they have on both ecosystems and local economies.
Overall, the ongoing effort to control lamprey populations is crucial in preserving the health and economic vitality of the Great Lakes region. Instilling a greater understanding of the lamprey issue helps emphasize the importance of protecting natural resources and the communities that rely on them.
(716)532- 4900, ext. 5476 – Environmental
(716)532-8211 – Conservation Dispatch
Check out Predator in Paradise from Lamprey Control
