Similarities, Differences, and Unknowns in Biology and Management of Three Parasitic Lampreys of North America
Dates
Publication Date
2010
Citation
Benjamin J. Clemens , Thomas R. Binder , Margaret F. Docker , Mary L. Moser & Stacia A. Sower (2010):
Similarities, Differences, and Unknowns in Biology and Management of Three Parasitic Lampreys of North America, Fisheries,
35:12, 580-594
Summary
ABSTRACT: Sea lampreys, Petromyzon marinus, are invasive to the Laurentian Great Lakes where they have decimated native fishes. Great Lakes sea lampreys have been subjected to control measures for several decades, and the drive to control them has led to major advances in understanding their biology and in informing management. In contrast, anadromous sea and Pacific (Entosphenus tridentatus) lampreys have co-evolved with their oceanic prey. Both of these anadromous lampreys are in decline, and a limited amount of information on their biology has stymied conservation. The tendency has been to make biological inferences about anadromous lampreys based on the Great Lakes sea lamprey without justifiable evidence. We identify areas in [...]
Summary
ABSTRACT: Sea lampreys, Petromyzon marinus, are invasive to the
Laurentian Great Lakes where they have decimated native fishes. Great
Lakes sea lampreys have been subjected to control measures for several
decades, and the drive to control them has led to major advances in
understanding their biology and in informing management. In contrast,
anadromous sea and Pacific (Entosphenus tridentatus) lampreys have
co-evolved with their oceanic prey. Both of these anadromous lampreys
are in decline, and a limited amount of information on their biology has
stymied conservation. The tendency has been to make biological inferences
about anadromous lampreys based on the Great Lakes sea lamprey without
justifiable evidence. We identify areas in which key information is missing
for the juvenile (parasitic feeding) phase and adult freshwater spawning
migrations, and compare and contrast information for these lampreys. Our
comparisons reveal major differences, some intriguing similarities, and key
unknowns that will require empirical testing.
