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In: invasive species, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Science, Technology, Research, sea lamprey, trump, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Sea lamprey control program receives OK to rehire federal workers, after initial scare

By Ellie Katz, Interlochen Public Radio

This article was republished with permission from Interlochen Public Radio.

The Great Lakes’ sea lamprey control program has the OK to rehire three dozen federal employees it needs to combat the eel-like, invasive fish species.

That’s after staffing cuts and hiring freezes from the Trump administration last month threatened the work, which the Great Lakes Fishery Commission said would have led to more than $200 million in lost fishing potential.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/03/sea-lamprey-control-program-receives-ok-to-rehire-federal-workers-after-initial-scare/

Interlochen Public Radio

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In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Collaboration, Forestry, Forests and Plants, invasive species, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreation and Tourism, Science, Technology, Research, sea lamprey, Tourism, trump
Trump firings hit Great Lakes sea lamprey program, Michigan forestry workers

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit PBS; Michigan Public, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; and The Narwhal who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/02/trump-firings-hit-great-lakes-sea-lamprey-program-michigan-forestry/

Bridge Michigan

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In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Collaboration, Forestry, Forests and Plants, invasive species, Latest News, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Recreation and Tourism, Science, Technology, Research, sea lamprey, Tourism, trump
Trump firings hit Great Lakes sea lamprey program, Michigan forestry workers

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit PBS; Michigan Public, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; and The Narwhal who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/02/trump-firings-hit-great-lakes-sea-lamprey-program-michigan-forestry/

Bridge Michigan

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In: 2024, Agriculture, aquatic invasive species, habitat, Halloween, monsters, Outreach and Education, pollution, runoff, sea lamprey, trash, Water quality, watershed

Celebrate Wisconsin’s Lakes and Rivers with These Thoughtful Gifts

Know someone whose heart belongs to Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers? Whether they’re paddling down the Wolf River, fishing on Lake Winnebago, or simply soaking up the peace of a quiet shoreline, this guide is packed with thoughtful, water-inspired gifts they’ll love. And the best part? Many of these ideas also support the health of the waterways we all treasure.

Let’s dive in!

For the Adventurer: Gifts for the Active and Outdoorsy

1. Underwater Drone

Let’s start off with the coolest (and most expensive) item on our list! Imagine exploring beneath the surface of Lake Winnebago or capturing the beauty of aquatic life in the Wolf River. An underwater drone lets the freshwater fan in your life see the water from an entirely new perspective, making their next trip to the water unforgettable.

a yellow submersible drone
a lifestraw against a green background

2. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

For the camper, hiker, or paddler, this lightweight filter is a lifesaver. It ensures access to clean drinking water anywhere—as long as there’s water nearby.

Pair the Lifestraw with a Wisconsin trails map for the ultimate adventurer’s gift!

3. Inflatable Kayak

Perfect for paddling enthusiasts who love exploring waterways like the Little Wolf River or Shawano Lake. Inflatable kayaks are easy to transport, set up, and store—ideal for spontaneous adventures.

Paddling Wisconsin: A Guide to the State’s Best Paddling Routes goes great with this gift!

a yellow inflatable kayak with oars in front of a light blue background

For the Home: Relaxation and Freshwater-Inspired Decor

a wisconsin lake candle in front of a blue background

4. Wisconsin Lakes Candle

Bring the outdoors inside with a candle inspired by the calming scents of Wisconsin’s iconic lakes. Whether they’re reminiscing about a peaceful day on the Waupaca Chain or a day at Bay Beach on the shores of Lake Michigan, this gift is sure to spark warm memories.

5. Wisconsin Lakes Depth Map

This intricate 3D map of your favorite Wisconsin lake is more than just decor—it’s a stunning celebration of Wisconsin’s freshwater connections. A perfect gift for someone who cherishes the beauty of Lake Winnebago, Wilson Lake, and beyond!

a depth map of Lake Winnebago
a custom lake sign sign reading lake Martin with coordinates

6. Custom Lake Name Sign

Celebrate a favorite lake with a beautifully crafted wood sign featuring its name and coordinates. Whether it’s Lake Butte des Morts or Partridge Lake, this keepsake is a heartfelt way to honor their connection to the water.

7. Personalized Wisconsin Fishing Journal

For anglers who love casting a line in the Fox River or Shawano Lake, this journal lets them log their best catches and memorable days on the water.

a leather journal in front of a blue background

For the Watershed: Eco-Friendly and Impactful Gifts

the few-wolf watershed alliance logo

8. Donation to the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

Give the gift of clean, thriving waters by donating to the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance in their name. This thoughtful gesture supports conservation efforts in beloved waterways like the Wolf River, Fox River, and Lake Winnebago.

Better yet – why not get them a Fox-Wolf membership?

9. Shower Flower

For the water lover who has everything – get them a show flower! Help them save water with this unique product that collects shower water while it warms up. Perfect for watering plants or household tasks, it’s an easy way to conserve and reduce waste!

a shower flower against a green background

Stocking Stuffers and Budget-Friendly Finds

A Lake Winnebago coaster

10. Wisconsin Lake Map Coasters

For the water lover who has everything – get them a show flower! Help them save water with this unique product that collects shower water while it warms up. Perfect for watering plants or household tasks, it’s an easy way to conserve and reduce waste!

11. Wisconsin Native Fish Species Poster

Brighten up their home with a colorful, educational print that highlights fish species found in Lake Winnebago and nearby waterways. It’s perfect for anglers or nature enthusiasts.

a wisconsin native species fish poster
a rain barrel spigot

12. DIY Rain Barrel Kit

Help them make the most of nature’s resources with a rain barrel kit. Ideal for gardeners who want to collect rainwater, especially in areas near Oshkosh or Fond du Lac, close to Lake Winnebago.

Celebrate and Protect Wisconsin’s Waters

From the calm beauty of Lake Butte des Morts to the rushing currents of the Fox River, our waterways bring joy, adventure, and connection to so many. This holiday season, give gifts that reflect your loved one’s passion for freshwater—and support the critical work of the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance in protecting these beautiful resources.

Get Involved!

What’s your favorite memory from Wisconsin’s lakes or rivers? Share it on social media using #FoxWolf #WorthProtecting. Let’s celebrate the places that bring us peace and joy—and work together to protect them for future generations.

Happy holidays, and thank you for making waves with your gift-giving this year!

The post The Ultimate Gift Guide for Freshwater Fans appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

Original Article

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

https://fwwa.org/2024/11/26/freshwater-gift-guide/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=freshwater-gift-guide

Dan Beckwith

On:
In: Bill Mattes, Ethan Baker, Great Lakes Fishery Commission, Lake Superior Committee, Lake Superior lake trout fishery recovery, sea lamprey, Titus Seilheimer

Lake trout caught in Lake Superior on Isle Royale National Park. Image credit: Marie Zhuikov, Wisconsin Sea Grant

A major milestone was recently reached in fisheries management on Lake Superior. The Lake Superior Committee announced that lake trout are fully recovered in most of Lake Superior. The LSC is coordinated under the auspices of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, consists of fishery managers from the three Great Lakes States (Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan) that border Lake Superior, from the Province of Ontario, and from U.S. Tribes represented by the 1854 Treaty Authority, Chippewa-Ottawa Resource Authority, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, and the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.

In the mid-1900s, lake trout populations declined to extremely low levels in Lake Superior due to extensive overfishing and the devastation wrought by non-native, predatory sea lamprey. Through the 1954 Convention on Great Lakes Fisheries, the Governments of Canada and the United States came together to form the Great Lakes Fishery Commission; the commission was charged with controlling sea lamprey, coordinating fishery management and conducting lake trout rehabilitation, which was initiated on a small Lake Superior tributary, Mosquito Creek, in 1958. Successful control of sea lamprey allowed additional management efforts, such as strict harvest regulations and stocking of various strains of lake trout, to be implemented. Together, these efforts were successful and allowed the LSC to substantially reduce stocking in the mid-1990s due to increased abundance of naturally reproducing lake trout populations.

“The decline and near extinction of native lake trout resulted in a drastic change to the Great Lakes ecosystem and devastated the region’s economy,” said Ethan Baker, chair of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. “The recovery of this keystone species from near extirpation to the healthy, self-sustaining population was achieved through a multi-decade and multi-jurisdictional Herculean effort that required an unprecedented amount of coordination, resources and commitment.”

Titus Seilheimer, Fisheries Outreach Specialist for Wisconsin Sea Grant. Credit: Wisconsin Sea Grant.

Wisconsin Sea Grant Fisheries Outreach Specialist Titus Seilheimer had this reaction to the news: “I’m excited to see that the cooperation and work that people have put in for decades has led to the recovery of lake trout in Lake Superior. Lake trout sit at the top of the Lake Superior food web and play many important roles in moving energy around the system. Healthy lake trout populations support a healthy and stable Lake Superior food web, as well as the sport and commercial fisheries that rely on them. I hope people can celebrate with their favorite lake trout recipes.”

Lake trout supported an annual commercial harvest of 4 million pounds (2 million kilograms) between 1920 and 1950. By 1964, however, only 210,000 pounds were harvested. Today’s announcement of a fully restored lake trout population in Lake Superior comes after nearly 70 years of concerted rehabilitation efforts. The LSC estimates the current abundance of naturally reproduced lake trout is at or above the best estimates of abundance before the sea lamprey invasion in 1938. Because of this, the LSC believes the lake trout population is restored, and has achieved the 2003 Fish Community Objective of a “genetically diverse self-sustaining populations of lake trout that are similar to those found in the lake before 1940, with lean lake trout being the dominant form in nearshore waters, siscowet lake trout the dominant form in offshore waters and humper lake trout a common form in eastern waters and around Isle Royale.”

Bill Mattes, LSC Chair said, “This is an incredible success story made possible by widespread collaboration and coordination of tribal, state, and federal governments engaged in fisheries research, monitoring and management. I look forward to the continued cooperation among fisheries managers and agencies to maintain healthy, self-sustaining lake trout populations in Lake Superior through effective sea lamprey control, prudent harvest policies and protection of the Lake Superior ecosystem, which includes prevention of invasive species and water quality protection.”

Baker concluded: “Rehabilitating lake trout in the world’s largest freshwater lake did not happen overnight; it required an unwavering commitment to a shared vision across multiple generations of fishery managers from Indigenous, provincial, state and federal agencies. It is undoubtedly one of the most successful stories of native species restoration in the world. Lucky for us, we have a front-row seat.”

The post Major fishery management milestone: Lake trout population is fully restored in Lake Superior first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

Original Article

Blog | Wisconsin Sea Grant

Blog | Wisconsin Sea Grant

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/blog/major-fishery-management-milestone-lake-trout-population-is-fully-restored-in-lake-superior/

Wisconsin Sea Grant

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In: 2024, Agriculture, aquatic invasive species, habitat, Halloween, monsters, Outreach and Education, pollution, runoff, sea lamprey, trash, Water quality, watershed

Meet the Monsters Haunting the Waters of the Fox Valley and Green Bay

Forget Michael Myers—the real monsters this Halloween are lurking beneath the surface of the Fox-Wolf Watershed! As you plan your spooky adventures, whether you’re trick-or-treating in the Fox Valley or Green Bay, meet the environmental threats that haunt our lakes and rivers. These villains won’t be defeated with a hockey mask or kitchen knife, but with a little teamwork, we can keep our waters monster-free and Halloween fun watershed-friendly. 🎃

Just as Michael Myers stalks Laurie Strode, these environmental villains silently threaten our waterways. From slimy algae to invasive zebra mussels, these monsters might be out of sight, but they’re dangerously real. Let’s meet them—and learn how to fight back!

The Phosphorist

“Possessing Waters, Spewing Green Goo!”

Where It Strikes: Fox River, Lake Winnebago, Green Bay

The Phosphorist is here—an evil force that takes control of lakes and rivers, just like a demonic possession in The Exorcist. It uses phosphorus from fertilizers, grass clippings, and animal waste as its unholy fuel, spreading thick, green algae blooms that choke the life out of every waterway it touches. Under the Phosphorist’s grip, fish gasp for oxygen, plants wilt, and the once-beautiful waters are transformed into slimy, stinking nightmares.

Like a possessed soul, the lake becomes corrupted—its clear waters replaced by murky, algae-filled sludge. And just like an exorcism gone wrong, the Phosphorist keeps returning after every storm, bringing new blooms and foul odors. Unless the right steps are taken, this toxic force will haunt our rivers and lakes forever.

How to Fight It:

  • Use fertilizers only when necessary, and keep grass clippings away from storm drains.
  • Support watershed-friendly practices with help from the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

Clingers

The horde just keeps coming!

Where It Strikes: Lake Winnebago, Fox River, Wolf River

Clingers are like the Clickers from The Last of Us—unstoppable, relentless, and spreading wherever they can latch on. These zombie-like zebra mussels invade lakes and rivers, clinging to boats, docks, and water pipes with an iron grip. Once they infest a waterway, they multiply fast, draining the nutrients that fish and plants need to survive. With fewer native species thriving, the water becomes too clear—making the perfect environment for harmful algae to grow.

Just like in a post-apocalyptic world, the Clingers creep silently from lake to lake, hitching rides on boats and fishing gear. Their jagged shells litter beaches, cutting into bare feet, while colonies clog water pipes and infrastructure. Without action, the Clingers will spread through the Fox-Wolf Watershed, turning vibrant ecosystems into lifeless wastelands faster than a horde of Clickers on the move.

How to Fight It:

Lampires

The Bloodsuckers of the Watershed

Where They Strike: Great Lakes, Rivers, and Streams near Green Bay

Beware the Lampire—a sea lamprey terror lurking in rivers and lakes, feeding on fish like a vampire of the deep. With its suction-cup mouth full of sharp teeth, it clamps onto its prey and drains their blood, leaving them too weak to survive. This invasive creature has slithered into the Great Lakes and waterways near Green Bay, turning once-thriving ecosystems into watery graveyards. Just like the infamous Nosferatu, it sneaks in silently, looking creepy and leaving destruction in its wake—making it harder for native fish to survive.

How to Fight It:

  • Back programs like the Great Lakes Fishery Commission that work to manage the sea lamprey invasion.
  • Follow fishing rules—some fish species help control the spread by feeding on lamprey larvae.
  • Get involved in watershed conservation efforts to stop these aquatic vampires from expanding their reach.

Floody Krueger

A Nightmare on Every Street!

Where It Strikes: Parking Lots, Streets, and Sidewalks

Freddy haunts dreams with terror, Floody haunts streets and waterways with polluted runoff. As rain pours down, stormwater gathers oil, fertilizer, pet waste, and trash, sweeping it all into nearby rivers and lakes. Fish and plants suffer in his toxic nightmare, while algae thrive on the chaos. If this waterborne slasher isn’t stopped, his sludge-filled trail will make rivers too dangerous for swimming and fishing—turning every trip to the lake into a horror story.

How to Fight It:

Trashenstein

“It’s ALLLITTER!”

Where It Strikes: Beaches, Parks, and Shorelines

Like Frankenstein’s monster, Trashenstein is cobbled together from every discarded bottle, wrapper, and bag. With every piece of trash, it surges back to life—“It’s aliiive!”—growing larger and more destructive. Trashenstein clogs rivers, traps animals in plastic, and turns parks into horror scenes that even Victor Frankenstein would fear. The more litter left behind, the harder it is to stop this monster from rampaging across shorelines and waterways.

How to Fight It:

  • Don’t litter—cut off Trashenstein’s lifeline.
  • Join area clean-up efforts to dismantle the monster bit by bit.
A ghostly creature made of swirling green algae and glowing mist rises from a dark lake. Its form is eerie but not grotesque, with gentle, flowing tendrils that spread across the water. The creature’s eyes glow softly with a mysterious green light, and small bubbles drift up from the murky surface around it. In the background, the water is covered with patches of algae, and a few fish gently float at the surface. The scene is under a cloudy, dusky sky, giving the landscape an eerie, quiet stillness—like nature waiting to come back to life. The atmosphere is spooky but not scary, designed to intrigue rather than frighten.

"The Phosphorist" - This image was generated with the assistance of AI.

Algae

A relentless swarm of zebra mussel creatures clinging to the surface of a boat dock, water pipes, and the bottom of a small boat. Their jagged shells glimmer with a dark, metallic sheen, spreading like a creeping infestation. Despite their eerie persistence, they are depicted in a way that’s intriguing and suitable for all ages—small glowing eyes give them an otherworldly feel without being frightening. The surrounding water is unusually clear, with subtle hints of green algae floating beneath the surface. The sky above is cloudy, casting a dim light over the scene, adding a touch of quiet tension.

"Clingers" - This image was generated with the assistance of AI.

Zebra Mussel Cluster

Zebra mussel cluster. Photo taken by D. Jude, Univ. of Michigan.

A shadowy figure resembling Flooddy Krueger stands under a dim streetlamp during a heavy rainstorm on a desolate urban street. The figure is partially silhouetted, with a soaked fedora casting a shadow that obscures his face. He wears a drenched, striped sweater, blending into the rainy, moody atmosphere. Jets of water spray from the ends of his sleeves, symbolizing stormwater runoff. Puddles on the street reflect the dim yellow streetlight, while litter, oil slicks, and debris flow toward a nearby storm drain. The scene is dark and atmospheric, with shades of brown, gray, and blue evoking pollution and decay in the rain-soaked environment.

"Floody Krueger" - This image was generated with the assistance of AI.

a stormwater outlet pipe draining into a river
StormwaterPipe
A sinister eel-like creature with the sleek, serpentine body of a sea lamprey, dressed in a full Dracula-style tuxedo. The tux includes a white shirt, black vest, bow tie, and a flowing black-and-red cape that drifts around it like eerie wings. Its smooth head features a pronounced widow's peak, enhancing its vampiric appearance, and its glowing red eyes shine with wicked intent. The creature grins with a circular mouth filled with jagged, spiraling teeth, dripping dark water. In its sharp claws, it clutches a tiny jack-o'-lantern filled with candy. It lurks underwater among swaying seaweed, in a dim underwater forest illuminated by moonlight filtering through the surface above, casting shifting shadows.

"Lampires" - This image was generated with the assistance of AI.

Sea Lamprey

A grotesque, towering creature resembling Frankenstein's monster, made from urban river waste, rampages through a rural park near a calm lake surrounded by pine trees. Plastic bags flap wildly from its body like torn skin, and bicycle tires shift around its waist with each heavy step. Fishing line, acting like crude stitches, strains to hold its limbs together as it drags a trail of trash—nets, tires, and plastic bottles—behind it. Birds scatter into the air, and ripples disturb the lake's surface from the creature’s chaotic movement. The scene conveys a stark contrast between the peaceful natural setting and the invasive, polluted horror.

"Trashenstein" - This image was generated with the assistance of AI.

Plastic Pollution

Tips for Fox-Wolf Friendly Trick-or-Treating in the Fox Valley and Green Bay

Halloween is about more than costumes and candy—it’s also a chance to protect the environment! As you head out for trick-or-treating in Green Bay or the Fox Valley, follow these simple tips to keep the fun Fox-Wolf friendly.

1. Use Reusable Trick-or-Treat Bags

Swap plastic bags for reusable ones that can hold more candy and last longer. Plus, no more worrying about your bag ripping halfway through the night! Using reusable bags also keeps stray plastic out of the environment. Win-win!

2. Stick to Neighborhood Routes

Staying close to home isn’t just more fun—it helps the environment, too! Driving less means fewer pollutants like oil, gas, and tire particles washing into rivers and lakes when it rains. Bonus: It’s a great way to meet neighbors and see more decorations!

3. Walk, Bike, or Scoot

Why take the car when you can stroll, pedal, or roll? Walking or biking with friends means fewer emissions, cleaner air, and more candy time! And the best part? The adventure is just as sweet as the treats.

4. Bring a Cleanup Bag for Litter

Keep the streets looking great by bringing along a small bag to pick up any stray wrappers or bottles you find. A cleaner neighborhood means less litter ending up in storm drains—and cleaner rivers and lakes for everyone to enjoy.

5. Spread the Word

Share these simple tips with friends, family, and neighbors. When everyone pitches in, the impact really adds up! A small effort from each of us makes our water cleaner and our Halloween so sustainable-it’s scary!

Keep Our Watershed Safe and Monster-Free This Halloween

Whether you’re trick-or-treating in the Fox Valley or Green Bay, Halloween can be about more than just spooky fun. Every action you take—from picking up trash to planting rain gardens—helps protect the Fox-Wolf Watershed from real environmental monsters.

Together, we can banish Flooddy Krueger, Trashenstein, and all the other monsters from our rivers and lakes. This Halloween, let’s enjoy the fun while making a difference for the environment. 🎃

Photo Credit: Yuliya Karshirina, Kelly Reyer, T. Lawrence (NOAA)

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Acy, the AIS Coordinator covering Brown, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties at (920) 460-3674 or chris@fwwa.org!

Follow the Fox Wolf Watershed Alliance on our Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance Facebook page or @fox_wolf_watershed_alliance on Instagram! You can also sign-up for email updates at fwwa.org.

The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is an independent nonprofit organization that identifies and advocates effective policies and actions that protect, restore, and sustain water resources in the Fox-Wolf River Basin.

This Halloween, let’s have fun while doing a little good for the watershed! With just a few small changes, you can enjoy trick-or-treating and help protect our beautiful rivers, lakes, and parks. Here’s how you and your friends can make a difference:

The post Trick or Treating in the Fox Valley & Green Bay: Beware the Monsters Threatening Our Watershed appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

Original Article

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

https://fwwa.org/2024/10/18/trick-or-treating-fox-valley-green-bay-monsters-watershed/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=trick-or-treating-fox-valley-green-bay-monsters-watershed

Chris Acy

On:
In: 2024, AIS, aquatic invasive species, Butte des Morts, chestnut lamprey, Fox-Wolf Basin, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, FWWA, habitat, invasive species, Lake Butte des Morts, Lake Poygan, Lake Winnebago, Lake Winneconne, lamprey, Outreach, Outreach and Education, sea lamprey, watershed, Winnebago, Winnebago Lakes, Winnebago Waterways

Double Check Those Lamprey; Wisconsin has Native Lamprey Too

Many Wisconsin anglers are catching fish left, right, and center as we near mid-summer. But sometimes with those fish, there are reports of sea lamprey attached to fish. Even in places where the sea lamprey isn’t known to have reached, including Lake Winnebago. But anglers are often surprised to hear that Wisconsin waters play host to native lamprey. Take a minute to learn how to identify our native lamprey so next time you catch a fish with a lamprey, you’ll know if it’s native or invasive.

Native Lamprey vs. Sea Lamprey

There are four native freshwater lamprey that can be found in Wisconsin. Of these four, two are parasitic and might be on your next fish. Each species of lamprey have different physical characteristics that can help you figure the lamprey you’re seeing. Check out the chart below to see how our native species differ from the invasive sea lamprey.

Click the image to enlarge

If you’re looking for key characteristics to determine if you’ve caught a sea lamprey, take a look at the top fin of the lamprey. If the long fin on the back of the lamprey is split into two (two dorsal fins), there’s a good chance you’ve caught a sea lamprey.

The most common lamprey in the Winnbeago lake system is the native Chestnut Lamprey. To learn more about this native lamprey, check out this Fox-Wolf Species Spotlight article.

To learn more about the invasive sea lamprey, Fox-Wolf’s AIS Spotlight has the info you’ll need!

Photo Credit: Great Lakes Fishery Commission

Questions? Comments? Contact Chris Acy, the AIS Coordinator covering Brown, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties at (920) 460-3674 or chris@fwwa.org!

Follow the Fox Wolf Watershed Alliance’s Winnebago Waterways Program on our Winnebago Waterways Facebook page or @WinnWaterways on Twitter! You can also sign-up for email updates at WinnebagoWaterways.org.

Winnebago Waterways is a Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance program. The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is an independent nonprofit organization that identifies and advocates effective policies and actions that protect, restore, and sustain water resources in the Fox-Wolf River Basin.

Check out the Keepers of the Fox Program at https://fwwa.org/watershed-recovery/lower-fox-recovery/

Reporting invasive species is a first step in containing their spread. Maintaining and restoring our waters and landscapes can reduce the impacts even when we don’t have other management options to an invasive species.

The post Surely a Sea Lamprey….right? appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

Original Article

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

https://fwwa.org/2024/07/17/surely-a-sea-lamprey-right/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=surely-a-sea-lamprey-right

Chris Acy

On:
In: aquatic, Butte des Morts, chestnut lamprey, ecosystem, eel, Fox-Wolf Basin, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance, fresh water, habitat, katie reed, Lake, Lake Winneconne, lakes, lamprey, Outreach and Education, Poygan, sea lamprey, species, species spotlight, Water quality, Winnebago, Winnebago Waterways

This month’s species spotlight shines light on a native lamprey species of the Winnebago System: Chestnut Lampreys (Ichthyomyzon castaneus). There are other native species of lamprey in the Winnebago System too. These are the Silver, American Brook, and Northern Brook lampreys. Chestnut and silver lampreys are parasitic as adults, feeding on fish. However, this usually does not kill the fish. Despite the scary looking sucker disks, native lampreys are an important part of the ecosystem.

Chesnut Lamprey (young) Photo Source: Cal Yonce/USFWS

However, there is a non-native lamprey species to be aware of too: the sea lamprey. The sea lamprey is an aquatic invasive species has not invaded the Winnebago System, but is present in the Great Lakes. If the sea lamprey were to invade the Winnebago System, it is likely they would cause major issues for the ecosystem. We must work hard to keep this aquatic invasive species out of the Winnebago System. Though a bit creepy looking, the chestnut lamprey (and Silver, American Brook, and Northern Brook lampreys) are native to this region.

Chestnut lampreys are parasitic as adults but not as larvae. The adult chestnut lamprey attaches to a fish, then scrapes a hole in the body and sucks out blood and tissue fluids for nutrients. After feeding on a fish for several days, the lamprey drops off. Usually, the fish is not killed directly by the attack, but may die due to infections from the wound.

Chestnut lampreys have a skeleton made of cartilage with no true vertebrae. They technically do not have a jaw. This makes lampreys different from eels, which have a bony skeleton and jaws. Lamprey bodies are long and cylindrical. Chestnut lamprey adults range in length from 5-11 inches. The mouth of adult chestnut lampreys is as wide or wider than the head, and contains sharp teeth that each have two points (bicuspid). Along their back, chestnut lampreys have one continuous fin. Adults are usually dark brown, gray, or olive-green on the top, with a lighter coloration of yellow or tan on the stomach. During spawning, they can appear blue-black. Younger lampreys tend to be lighter in color.

The native range of the chestnut lamprey is as far north as the Hudson Bay in Canada and as far South as the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi and Missouri River networks help with this large range, as the lampreys move with their host fishes.

Chestnut Lamprey (bottom; native) vs. Sea Lamprey (top; non-native; NOT found in Lake Winnebago)

Photo Source: Bobbie Halchishak/USFWS

Chestnut lampreys spawn in late spring when the water temperature is about 50ۧ°F. Chestnut lampreys stay in the larval phase for 3 – 7 years. Chestnut lamprey larva do not have eyes. When they hatch, chestnut lampreys move downstream and bury themselves at the bottom of the water body they’re living in. For the next few years, they filter feed on tiny algae particles and tiny organisms before beginning to develop their sucking disk. This disk develops teeth which allows for parasitic feeding. Once Chestnut Lampreys are adults, they can suck blood and other nutrients from host fish. Chestnut lampreys can feed on many different fish species including carp, trout, pike, sturgeon, catfish, sunfish, and paddlefish. They live another one to two years as adults, for a total lifespan of about 6 – 9 years.

Chestnut lampreys are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. This is often why we don’t see them unless they are attached to fish we catch! During the day, they rest under rocks and along river banks. Adult chestnut lampreys are not known to have predators, but the larval lampreys are preyed upon by burbot and brown trout.

Though we tend to think of parasites as “bad”, they play an important role in the ecosystem including helping to remove weaker fish from the population. The lamprey population may become large when they have plenty of fish to feed on, but then decrease as host populations decrease. This cycle is normal in the ecosystem. Aquatic invasive species like the sea lamprey are a cause for concern because they interfere with normal population dynamics.

Article written by Katie Reed, Winnebago Waterways Coordinator: katherine@fwwa.org 
 Featured Image Credit: Great Lakes Fisheries Commission
Additional Image Credit 1: Cal Yonce/USFWS
Additional Image Credit 2: Bobbie Halchishak/USFWS

 Sources:
Lampreys of the Great Lakes – Great Lakes Fishery Commission
Chestnut Lamprey – Illinois DNR
Ichthyomyzon castaneus – Chestnut lamprey – Animal Diversity Web

Winnebago Waterways is a Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance recovery initiative. Contact us at wwinfo@fwwa.org

The post Species Spotlight: Chestnut Lamprey appeared first on Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance.

Original Article

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

https://fwwa.org/2023/08/25/species-spotlight-chestnut_lamprey/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=species-spotlight-chestnut_lamprey

Katie Reed

On:
In: AIS outreach, Great Lakes, sea lamprey, Titus Seilheimer, Wisconsin Maritime Museum

Visitors to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc can now get up close and personal with one of the Great Lake’s most infamous invasive fish, the sea lamprey. The new exhibit, entitled “Attack of the Sea Lampreys,” was made possible through a collaboration between Wisconsin Sea Grant and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and tells the story of how sea lamprey were introduced to the Great Lakes, their impact and the ongoing efforts to manage them.

The entrance to "Attack of the Sea Lamprey," a new exhibit at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.

The entrance to “Attack of the Sea Lampreys,” a new exhibit at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. Photo: Kevin Cullen

Chief curator Kevin Cullen and the education team revamped an invasive species lab on the museum’s lower level to house the new exhibit. The space was largely dormant and full of locked cabinets. Said Cullen, “People would just pass by it, so it became a really good opportunity to enhance a space that was already there.”  

The redesigned space provides a more interactive, sensory experience. Visitors can now open the cabinet doors to find answers to questions about sea lamprey, such as how many eggs they lay or bones they have. Content is written at a middle-school reading level, and many items are meant to be touched and handled, making the exhibit ideal for kids and families.

The irrefutable stars of the show, however, are the lamprey. Thanks to support and a custom-built tank from the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, museum-goers can enjoy watching over a dozen lamprey hanging out, their toothy maws suctioned to the side of the glass.

Cullen said initial feedback has been positive. “[Visitors] love it. I think they’re creeped out by these things and fascinated to see them.”

The creep factor is due largely to how sea lamprey feed. A parasitic fish, sea lamprey latch onto larger fish and suck out blood and body fluids. Their mouths are disc-shaped and ringed with rows of horned teeth to better grab flesh. Once suctioned onto a host, sea lamprey then use their sharp tongue to bore a hole in the fish, usually near its heart. A single lamprey can kill up to 40 pounds of fish.

A sea lamprey suctions on to the walls of a glass tank. Its mouth is disc-shaped with circular rows of teeth.

A sea lamprey suctions its mouth onto the walls of a glass tank at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. Photo: Kevin Cullen

For many, the story of sea lamprey is the stuff of nightmares—or at least a low-budget horror film. Titus Seilheimer, the fisheries specialist with Wisconsin Sea Grant who helped the museum secure the lamprey tank, hopes the exhibit helps visitors see another story.

“It’s one of the great success stories of invasive species management,” said Seilheimer.

Originally from the Atlantic Ocean, sea lamprey arrived in the Great Lakes via shipping canals, landing in Lakes Michigan and Superior by the 1930s and 1940s. By the mid-twentieth century, the lamprey population exploded, devastating the Great Lakes fishery and ecosystem. It wasn’t until the discovery of TFM, a chemical that selectively kills lamprey, that numbers decreased.

The population of sea lamprey is now 90% lower than what it was at its peak. But because lamprey can lay up to 100,000 eggs, that success is tenuous. Said Seilheimer, “If you take your foot off the gas, you see lamprey numbers increase.” Continuous management is required to keep the population in check.

The exhibit is a reminder of how humans have shaped and continue to shape the Great Lakes ecosystem. Said Cullen, “I hope [visitors] have a sense of responsibility when they leave that how they behave in the Great Lakes basin affects others.”

“Attack of the Sea Lampreys” at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum is now open to the public.

The post New exhibit at Wisconsin Maritime Museum showcases history and management of sea lamprey in the Great Lakes first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

Original Article

News Releases | Wisconsin Sea Grant

News Releases | Wisconsin Sea Grant

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/news/new-exhibit-at-wisconsin-maritime-museum-showcases-history-and-management-of-sea-lamprey-in-the-great-lakes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-exhibit-at-wisconsin-maritime-museum-showcases-history-and-management-of-sea-lamprey-in-the-great-lakes

Jenna Mertz

On:
In: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Partnership, Collaboration, Fish, Birds and Animals, invasive species, Latest News, Michigan, News, sea lamprey, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
More fallout from Midland dam failures: blood-sucking parasites in rivers

By Ashley Zhou, Bridge Michigan

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2023/05/more-fallout-from-midland-dam-failures-blood-sucking-parasites-in-rivers/

Bridge Michigan

On:
In: Feature Homepage, Fish, Birds and Animals, invasive species, Kathy Johnson, Latest News, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, sea lamprey
Modern sea lamprey control pits technology against the invaders

After 100 years of coordinated effort, 98% of all the sea lamprey in the Great Lakes have been eliminated, according to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, the organization tasked with the management of the invasive species within the basin.

Unfortunately, the remaining 2% is enough to start the cycle all over again if left unchecked, and current technology “does not make complete eradication possible,” said Marc Gaden, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission communication director and legislative liaison.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/07/modern-sea-lamprey-control-pits-technology-against-the-invaders/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: diving, Feature Homepage, fish, Fish, Birds and Animals, I Speak for the Fish, Kathy Johnson, Lake Ontario, Latest News, Michigan, Recreation and Tourism, Science, Technology, Research, sea lamprey
I Speak for the Fish: Not all lampreys are killers, but all are paying the price for their reputation

I Speak for the Fish is a new monthly column written by Great Lakes Now Contributor Kathy Johnson, coming out the third Monday of each month. Publishing the author’s views and assertions does not represent endorsement by Great Lakes Now or Detroit Public Television. 

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/06/not-all-lampreys-are-killers/

Kathy Johnson

On:
In: canada, Collaboration, Fish, Birds and Animals, invasive species, lake erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ontario, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Research, Research, Data and Technology, Science, Technology, Research, sea lamprey, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
The pandemic that closed the U.S./Canadian border to people may have opened it to the invasive sea lamprey

This article was republished here with permission from Great Lakes Echo.

By Danielle James, Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes invasive species cling to shipments and navigate canals to migrate, but one aquatic invader – sea lamprey – benefitted from border closures instead.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2022/03/border-opened-invasive-sea-lamprey/

Great Lakes Echo

On:
In: aquaponics, Eat Wisconsin Fish, feed conversion ratio, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, sea lamprey, Sharon Moen

By Eva Ryan, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Continuing Wisconsin Sea Grant’s 50th anniversary blog series, I interviewed Sharon Moen, the Eat Wisconsin Fish outreach specialist. During our time together, we discussed the past, present and hopes for the future of producing fish in Wisconsin for local and global consumption.

Sharon Moen holds smoked fish on the shores of Lake Superior. Image credit: Marie Zhuikov, Wisconsin Sea Grant

“I’m having fun with the position because I get to use my science communication skills to help American food-fish aquaculture and fisheries succeed against a challenging and changing global backdrop,” Moen said. “It feels like meaningful, important work.”

Moen’s work largely focuses on supporting food-fish aquaculture and fisheries in Wisconsin, which includes improving consumer awareness and acceptance. She explores topics of fish production, consumer demographics and how to connect local fish growers with people throughout the state.

Moen reports that commercial fishers were hampered by labor shortages last year and would like help navigating changes to state regulations. Her conversations with Wisconsin’s growing aquaculture industry indicate they could use technical help in the form of research on specific topics, finding fish processors and marketing.

“So many good things have happened in the last 50 years,” said Moen, starting with the commercial fishing industry of the Great Lakes: “The state’s commercial fishing industry was almost wiped out because of the invasion of sea lamprey, overfishing and changes to the ecosystem.” But due to progressive sustainable fishery management decisions, the fisheries have recovered, maintaining opportunities for people to make a living from plying the Great Lakes for food.

“It’s interesting to see how the industry has changed and how generational fishing families have held on and retained optimism. This is most evident in the way that, during the worst of the pandemic in 2020, the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa opened a fish processing and marketing business to help their members. It is encouraging to witness how the Great Lakes can still provide food and livelihoods for people.”

Similar to Great Lakes fisheries, the Wisconsin aquaculture industry has experienced many advances in the past 50 years. “We grow shrimp on old dairy farms now,” Moen said. “The largest on-land aquaponic facility for salmon is in Hixton, Wisconsin. Fifty years ago, people would think you were crazy if you said we were going to grow salmon on land and shrimp in old barns.” Moen goes on to applaud the innovation of aquaculture specialists, noting how exciting it is to observe the industry changing.

As industries continue to change, it only makes sense to look forward. When asked about the future of food fish production in Wisconsin, Moen was sure to touch on climate change and aquaculture’s role in improving food security and environmental resilience in the next 50 years.

“Already about half of the seafood Americans consume is raised on farms,” she said. “These farms could be, and maybe should be, down the road instead of halfway across the planet.”

The meat industry is a known contributor to carbon emissions and Earth’s changing climate. Moen specifically mentioned the feed conversion ratio of cows, pigs, and chickens. Compared to these animals, the feed conversion ratio of fish is significantly lower, effectively saving resources while providing an impressive yield of protein and essential nutrients for brain development in children and heart health.

“I think fish are going to be one of our most important sources of protein in the near future, especially as we get better at growing them in contained facilities. As people coming to terms with technology, where their seafood comes from and climate change, these changes have to happen.”

Further research on the food sources we use for feeding fish are being conducted each day. For example, scientists are trying to determine how we can grow algae containing omega-3 fatty acids and other beneficial nutrients to feed fish. That way, when we eat the fish that consume these algae, we also reap the benefits of those nutrients. All in all, the advancements taking place in the aquaculture industry are bountiful and exciting.

Considering the human health and environmental benefits of being a piscivore, Moen summed it up best when she said, “Eat fish, people!”

The post Eat Fish, People! first appeared on Wisconsin Sea Grant.

Original Article

Blog | Wisconsin Sea Grant

Blog | Wisconsin Sea Grant

https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/blog/eat-fish-people/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=eat-fish-people

Wisconsin Sea Grant

On:
In: invasive species, Latest News, News, Research, Research, Data and Technology, science, Science, Technology, Research, sea lamprey
Genetic Engineering: Researchers take first steps toward controlling sea lamprey

Early in October, scientists who pioneered a powerful gene-editing technology won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. That same technology is now being used to explore new ways to control invasive sea lamprey in the Great Lakes.

When researchers suggested earlier this year that it might be possible to eradicate sea lamprey from the Great Lakes, it was with developing gene-editing technology in mind.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/10/genetic-engineering-research-controlling-sea-lamprey/

Andrew Blok

On:
In: Fish, Birds and Animals, invasive species, Latest News, News, Research, Science, Technology, Research, sea lamprey
Complete Eradication: Researchers look at removing sea lamprey from the Great Lakes

Sea lamprey control in the Great Lakes has been a success.

Compared to the 1950s, 90% fewer of the toothy, invasive, eel-like parasite are spawning.

Control efforts have been so successful that some researchers now suggest a more permanent solution: complete eradication of the pest from the Great Lakes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/09/sea-lamprey-invasive-species-research-eradication-great-lakes/

Andrew Blok

On:
In: Fish, Birds and Animals, invasive species, Latest News, Natasha Blakely, News, Science, Technology, Research, sea lamprey, zebra mussels
Quiz: What Great Lakes invasive species are you?

Great Lakes Now is hosting a live chat about invasive species with the Belle Isle Conservancy on Friday, Aug. 7. Check out the event page here for more details.

Since the 1800s, at least 25 non-native fish species – like the sea lamprey, zebra mussel or round goby – have entered the Great Lakes, changing the Great Lakes ecosystem in a variety of ways.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/invasive-species-quiz-great-lakes/

Natasha Blakely