Invasion of the Lampreys

Sea lampreys, ancient eel-like parasites with suction-cup mouths and razor-sharp teeth, decimated Great Lakes trout populations after entering through shipping canals. These invasive predators caused a 98% decline in trout harvests by the mid-20th century, nearly collapsing the regional fishing industry. A coordinated, government-funded control program successfully mitigated the threat for decades using targeted chemical treatments and electric stream monitoring. However, as journalist Katie Thornton explains, this success remains fragile. Recent federal budget cuts and hiring freezes have disrupted essential monitoring and research, leaving the ecosystem vulnerable to a resurgence. While the current control program has regained funding, the long-term viability of the initiative depends on continued scientific research into supplemental methods like pheromone-based deterrents to stay ahead of the resilient lamprey population.