SEA LAMPREY RESEARCH PROGRAM

PURPOSE OF PROGRAM

To conduct research that will provide the information needed to further the integrated management of sea lampreys, including the development of novel, effective strategies for their control. 



TYPE OF RESEARCH

Biological, ecological, and management-related research on sea lampreys and their effects on Great Lakes fish communities and fisheries is supported. Descriptions of research theme areas are available for review below.  Theme areas include Assessment, Barriers and Trapping, Lampricides, Pheromones, and Sterile Males. Research projects that do not fit into an existing theme area are supported under the category Non-Theme Research. Highly meritorious concepts, not connected to existing theme areas may be funded.

PAST PROJECTS

Research projects funded in the past by the commission include the role of pheromones in sea lamprey spawning ecology, the effects of compensatory mechanisms on sea lamprey population regulation, spatial distributions of sea lamprey, development of alternative control measures, development of models to assist in decision making, evaluation of fishways, abundance and distribution of native lampreys, the effects of lampricides on non-target organisms, and a comparison of seasonal thermal niches of whitefish, lake trout and sea lamprey. A list of all completed projects, Sea Lamprey Research Program proejcts, and associated completion reports are available below :

- Sea Lamprey Research Completion Reports -

- Past and Present Sea Lamprey Research Program Projects -



FUNDING

Projects range from U.S.$10,000 to U.S.$100,000 per year. The average award ranges from U.S.$35,000 to $50,000 per year. Most projects are from 2 to 3 years in duration. Annual funding available for Sea Lamprey Research Program projects typically $500,000. For more information, review the current call for proposals.

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

Secretariat staff and the commission’s Sea Lamprey Research Board (SLRB) administer research funded under this category.

• SLRB Terms of Reference
• SLRB Members
• Commission support staff
• Next meeting (September 22-23, 2008)

RESEARCH THEME AREAS

Theme area definition – Research theme areas describe important topics related to the management of sea lampreys in the Great Lakes. Theme areas establish key research questions and hypotheses that become the focus of specific projects.  Each of the theme areas are described in a series of papers published in the Journal of Great Lakes Research (volume 33, special issue 2). 

Research theme areas

• Overview
• Barriers and Trapping
• Lampricides
• Assessment
• Sterile Males
• Pheromones
• Non-Theme Area

Theme development – Subject matter and priorities for research themes are most often generated through the Sea Lamprey Integration Committee and its Task Forces.  Members of the Sea Lamprey Research Board develop the documents that describe research theme areas.

Research to support immediate needs of sea lamprey management – Research projects that provide for a quick response to the immediate information needs of sea lamprey management may also be funded. This type of research is most often conducted internally by Hammond Bay Biological Station (Millersburg, MI), the Upper Midwest Environmental Science Center (LaCrosse, WI), and the commission's sea lamprey control agents.

Non-Theme Area Research - Projects that do not fall under any current theme area may also be supported. This provides an opportunity for researchers with highly meritorious concepts, not connected to existing theme areas, to access commission funding.

NEW GREAT LAKES RESEARCHERS

New investigators to the Great Lakes region are encouraged to develop their research programs on Great Lakes fisheries topics. New researchers should review the new investigator criteria to see if they qualify. The category of "new investigator" is a designation, not a separate funding category. New investigators should note that they are new investigators where indicated on the pre-proposal and proposal forms.

Mentorship Opportunity for New Great Lakes Researchers – Any new investigator should contact the GLFC Science Director or one of our research theme area leaders to discuss your study ideas and objectives early in the development of a pre-proposal for submission. The SLRB extends this invitation to help new investigators develop successful proposals.  

PILOT PROJECTS

Pilot research projects are designed to explore new hypotheses and concepts and to acquire preliminary data to guide the develpment of full research proposals. Pilot project proposals may be submitted at any time and must be less than $10,000 USD. Funding decisions will be made after the March and September SLRB meetings. Deadlines for submission of pilot project proposals are January 15th for consideration in March or July 15th for consideration in September.

The pilot project proposal template can be downloaded by right-clicking the link below:

--- Pilot Project Proposal Template ---

Right click the above link, a fly-out menu will appear; from the menu select "Save Target As...", then hit the save button on the pop-up window.



PROJECT RANKING CRITERIA

The Sea Lamprey Research Board evaluates research proposals based on the criteria below:

Scientific merit of proposals – Every research proposal submitted will be subjected to a review by scientific peers. Peer review evaluates the proposed research based on scientific merit, rationale, innovativeness, budget, logistics, and qualifications of the proponents. Peer reviewers have demonstrated expertise in the proposal topic area. Proposal success will be highly dependent upon positive, favorable peer reviews, and upon positive review by the Board.  Investigators submitting proposal should review the peer review form prior to proposal preparation. Proposed projects must not be duplicative with other projects.

Relationships to commission programs – Research projects will have a high priority for funding if they directly relate to the research themes, or the research priorities identified by the Sea Lamprey Integration Committee and it's task forces.

Application to control program and importance to the rehabilitation of fisheries – Research projects will have a high-priority for funding if they have a high potential to improve sea lamprey control and enhance the rehabilitation success of species of common concern between Canada and the U.S.

Note: Projects will be evaluated against the information needs described by the theme under which they are submitted.


Past performance – Project leaders should have demonstrated the technical expertise required to complete the project or have co-investigators or appropriate partnerships wiht other organizations to meet all the requirements of the project. Capability to finish projects through peer reviewed publication is essential.



INVESTIGATORS/APPLICANTS

Most investigators submitting proposals have been previously contacted by a representative of the Sea Lamprey Integration Committee, the Sea Lamprey Research Board, or the secretariat staff and encouraged to submit a pre-proposal. Nevertheless, any investigator with a project of potential interest is encouraged to contact the Commission’s Science Director to discuss a submission. New investigators are encouraged to initiate such contact.



PROPOSAL SUBMISSION PROCESS AND SCHEDULE

Questions regarding pre-proposal or proposal submission should be directed to the Sea Lamprey Research Associate. Additional information about submitting pre-proposals and proposals can be found here.

If you would like to be notified of future requests for proposals please Click Here

PRE-PROPOSAL AND FULL PROPOSAL FORMATS FOR FISHERY RESEARCH PROGRM PROJECTS:

--- Pre Proposal format ---
--- Full proposal format ---

FULL PROPOSAL FORMAT FOR PILOT PROJECTS:

---Pilot Project Proposal Template ---