Factors Affecting the Behavior of Great Lakes Sea Lamprey (petromyzon marinus) at Traps

Abstract

Sea lamprey (Petromyzon Marinus) is a parasitic species that have affected Great Lakes fisheries in many ways. Control of seal lamprey populations through binational efforts started in 1950s and continues today. The primary technique used to control sea lamprey is the application of lampricides to streams to kill larvae before they become parasites. The Great Lakes Fishery Commission is looking for an alternative method of control to complement lampricides to reduce sea lamprey abundance. Trapping adult sea lamprey as they migrate upstream is used for assessment of spawining population in the stream. Trapping efficiency needs to be improved before this method could be used as an alternative method of control. Thus, the understanidng of sea lamprey behavior at traps is important to try to improve trap success. A male mating pheromone component (3kPZS) used as an attractant in traps has been shown to increase trap capture. Also, other external factors are likely to affect the behavior of sea lamprey at traps. Video was used to record sea lamprey behavior at five traps across five migration seasons, with one trap being baited with 3kPZS. I found sea lamprey are 31% more likely to enter after approaching the trap when it was baited with pheromone. I found additional environmental factors that affected the probability that a sea lamprey would enter and be retained in the trap.