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

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• Main Authors: Dahl, F. H., McDonald, R. B.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1980
• Subjects: Catostomus catostomus
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/f80-230; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/f80-230

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