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US Fish & Wildlife Service - Journal Entry
TTrapping Controls Sea Lampreys in Seven Tributaries of Lake Champlain Basin
Region 5, April 15, 2005
Each year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service traps migrating adult sea lampreys as they enter seven tributaries to prevent them from spawning in the Lake Champlain basin. The traps are unique to the lake. Plastic mesh fences are secured by posts driven into the stream bed. Funnels centered in the fences trap sea lamprey and other aquatic species too large to pass through the mesh. The traps are tended regularly to remove and kill lampreys but release other, non-target fish, frogs, crayfish, and even muskrats unharmed.

The past five years of annual data indicate decreases in the numbers of migrating lampreys that have been trapped. That may result from fewer larvae producing a pheromone that attracts migrating adults. Trapping will continue as long as it remains an effective method among others in an integrated control program. Contact Dr. Bradley Young at 802-872-0629 for more information.

Contact Info: Jennifer Lapis, (413) 253-8303, jennifer_lapis@fws.gov