The sea lamprey is a parasitic fresh water fish that is invasive in the Great Lakes (why it is called a sea lamprey is a different story for another time...). Since the sea lamprey invaded in 1919, they have killed SEVERAL MILLION pounds of native fish annually. Currently managers are using chemicals to kill lamprey larvae in streams, but these same chemicals can also accidentally kill other fish, like endangered juvenile sturgeons. Researchers have developed a new control method which uses phermones (natural chemicals) produced by lampreys, to trick lampreys into migrating towards areas where they can be easily removed. If successful in the Great Lakes, this new method can be used worldwide to provide an environmentally-friendly way to control invasive species.
Adapted by Science Educator Christine Michael
Full article found in the New York Times by Rachel Nuwer
Adapted by Science Educator Christine Michael
Full article found in the New York Times by Rachel Nuwer
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