Development and Evaluation of a New Predictive Model for Metamorphosis of Great Lakes Larval Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) Populations

Accurate forecasts of the number of larval sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) within a stream that will enter into metamorphosis are critical to currently used methods for allocating lampricide treatments among streams in the Great Lakes basin. To improve our ability to predict metamorphosis we used a mark-recapture technique, involving the marking of individual larval lamprey with sequentially coded wire tags, to combine information regarding individual and stream level parameters collected in year t, with direct observations of metamorphic outcome of lamprey recaptured in year t+1. We used these data to fit predictive models of metamorphosis. The best model demonstrated excellent predictive capabilities and highlighted the importance of weight, age, larval density, stream temperature and geographic location in determining when individual lamprey are likely to transform. While this model was informative, it required data whose measures are not practical to obtain routinely during the larval sea lamprey assessment program. A second model, limited to data inputs that can be easily obtained, was developed and included length of larvae the fall prior to metamorphosis, stream latitude and longitude, drainage area, average larval density in type-2 habitat, and stream lamprey production category (a measure of the regularity with which treatments are required). This model accurately predicted metamorphosis 20% more often than current models of metamorphosis; however, we recommend further validation on an independent set of streams before adoption by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission for ranking streams.     

Factors affecting recruitment dynamics of Great Lakes sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) populations

Knowledge of stock–recruitment dynamics is as important for control of pest species such as the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) as it is for sustainable harvest management of exploited fish species. A better understanding of spatial and temporal variation in recruitment of pest populations may inform managers on where and when to effectively apply different control methods. Sea lamprey stock–recruitment data combined from streams across the Great Lakes basin into a Ricker stock–recruitment model indicated both compensation (density-dependent survival) and a large amount of density-independent recruitment variation. We evaluated the use of a mixed-effects model to look at common year effects and stream-level variables that could affect productivity and growing season length, with the objective of identifying factors that may explain this density-independent variation in recruitment. After selecting the “best model”, we tested factors that might affect recruitment variation, using a Great Lakes dataset comprising 97 stream–years. Lake Superior tributaries, streams with larger numbers of lamprey competitors, and streams regularly requiring lampricide treatment showed significantly higher recruitment. Alkalinity and thermal regulation did not affect the observed recruitment pattern among streams. In four long-term study streams we observed significant variation among streams, tested as a fixed effect, but no evidence suggested a common pattern of variation among years. Differences in recruitment among streams were consistent with evidence of quality of spawning and larval habitat among streams. Our findings suggest that management models should account for differences in recruitment dynamics among sea lamprey-producing streams, but not common year effects.     

In situ assessment of lampricide toxicity to age-0 lake sturgeon

The lampricides 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM) and 2′, 5-dichloro-4′-nitrosalicylanilide (niclosamide) are used to control sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), an invasive species in the Great Lakes. Age-0 lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens), a species of conservation concern, share similar stream habitats with larval sea lampreys and these streams can be targeted for lampricide applications on a 3- to 5-year cycle. Previous laboratory research found that lake sturgeon smaller than 100 mm could be susceptible to lampricide treatments. We conducted stream-side toxicity (bioassay) and in situ studies in conjunction with 10 lampricide applications in nine Great Lakes tributaries to determine whether sea lamprey treatments could result in in situ age-0 lake sturgeon mortality, and developed a logistic model to help predict lake sturgeon survival during future treatments. In the bioassays the observed concentrations where no lake sturgeon mortality occurred (no observable effect concentration, NOEC) were at or greater than the observed sea lamprey minimum lethal concentration (MLC or LC99) in 7 of 10 tests. We found that the mean in situ survival of age-0 lake sturgeon during 10 lampricide applications was 80%, with a range of 45–100% survival within streams. Modeling indicated that in age-0 lake sturgeon survival was negatively correlated with absolute TFM concentration and stream alkalinity, and positively correlated with stream pH and temperature. Overall survival was higher than expected based on previous research, and we expect that these data will help managers with decisions on the trade-offs between sea lamprey control and the effect on stream-specific populations of age-0 lake sturgeon.     

Behavioral and reproductive effects of the lampricides TFM and TFM:1% Niclosamide on native freshwater mussels

The lampricides TFM (3-trifluoromethyl-4′-nitrophenol) and Niclosamide (NIC, 2′, 5-dichloro-4′-nitrosalicylanilide) are used to control sea lamprey populations in the Great Lakes and associated tributaries. Niclosamide is often used as an additive to TFM to reduce the amount of TFM required to control sea lamprey. Concern is growing over the risk that lampricide treatments pose to native freshwater mussels residing in streams. Our objectives were to determine the acute toxicity of TFM and TFM:NIC to free glochidia (removed from the marsupial gills), compare the relative toxicity of TFM and TFM:NIC between free glochidia and brooded glochidia (within the marsupial gills), determine if glochidia age influences toxicity, and assess if exposure of gravid mussels to TFM and TFM:NIC alters behavior and reproduction. Three acute toxicity tests (2:TFM, 1:TFM : NIC) were conducted with glochidia and adults of the plain pocketbook mussel (Lampsilis cardium). In tests with glochidia, viability did not differ across TFM and TFM : NIC concentrations that encompassed typical stream treatments. Glochidia age influenced toxicity as glochidia obtained later in the brooding season were less viable than glochidia obtained earlier in the brooding season. Exposure of adults to elevated concentrations of lampricides often resulted in behavioral effects, but rarely affected reproductive endpoints. Because mussels are long-lived (30 to 100 y), even intermittent and short duration exposures may cumulatively affect mussels over their lifetime. The risks posed by lampricide treatments in the Great Lakes would be further informed by research on the sublethal effects of lampricides, particularly effects on non-target organisms such as mussels.     

Survival and metamorphosis of low-density populations of larval sea lampreys (Petromyzon marinus) in streams following lampricide treatment

Sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus control in the Great Lakes primarily involves application of lampricides to streams where larval production occurs to kill larvae prior to their metamorphosing and entering the lakes as parasites (juveniles). Because lampricides are not 100% effective, larvae that survive treatment may metamorphose before streams are again treated. Larvae that survive treatment have not been widely studied, so their dynamics are not well understood. We tagged and released larvae in six Great Lake tributaries following lampricide treatment and estimated vital demographic rates using multistate tag-recovery models. Model-averaged larval survivals ranged from 56.8 to 57.6%. Model-averaged adult recovery rates, which were the product of juvenile survivals and adult capture probabilities, ranged from 6.8 to 9.3%. Using stochastic simulations, we estimated production of juvenile sea lampreys from a hypothetical population of treatment survivors under different growth conditions based on parameter estimates from this research. For fast-growing populations, juvenile production peaked 2 years after treatment. For slow-growing populations, juvenile production was approximately one-third that of fast-growing populations, with production not peaking until 4 years after treatment. Our results suggest that dynamics (i.e., survival, metamorphosis) of residual larval populations are very similar to those of untreated larval populations. Consequently, residual populations do not necessarily warrant special consideration for the purpose of sea lamprey control and can be ranked for treatment along with other populations. Consecutive lampricide treatments, which are under evaluation by the sea lamprey control program, would be most effective for reducing juvenile production in large, fast-growing populations.     

Lateral and vertical distribution of downstream migrating juvenile sea lamprey

Sea lamprey is considered an invasive and nuisance species in the Laurentian Great Lakes, Lake Champlain, and the Finger Lakes of New York and is a major focus of control efforts. Currently, management practices focus on limiting the area of infestation using barriers to block migratory adults, and lampricides to kill ammocoetes in infested tributaries. No control efforts currently target the downstream-migrating post-metamorphic life stage which could provide another management opportunity. In order to apply control methods to this life stage, a better understanding of their downstream movement patterns is needed. To quantify spatial distribution of downstream migrants, we deployed fyke and drift nets laterally and vertically across the stream channel in two tributaries of Lake Champlain. Sea lamprey was not randomly distributed across the stream width and lateral distribution showed a significant association with discharge. Results indicated that juvenile sea lamprey is most likely to be present in the thalweg and at midwater depths of the stream channel. Further, a majority of the catch occurred during high flow events, suggesting an increase in downstream movement activity when water levels are higher than base flow. Discharge and flow are strong predictors of the distribution of out-migrating sea lamprey, thus managers will need to either target capture efforts in high discharge areas of streams or develop means to guide sea lamprey away from these areas.     

Variability in sea lamprey fatty acid profiles indicates a range of host species utilization in Lake Michigan

Despite being a “top predator”/parasite in the Great Lakes, knowledge of sea lamprey feeding ecology remains hindered by methodological constraints. Particularly, our knowledge of sea lamprey dietary habits is likely biased as it relies primarily on wounding rates of commercially and recreationally caught fish. Biochemical methods provide a means to extract diet information from sea lamprey themselves, and therefore provide a more objective assessment of sea lamprey feeding ecology. Of particular interest is the use of fatty acid profiles to qualitatively describe foraging patterns of sea lamprey. Adult sea lamprey were captured throughout the Lake Michigan basin during spring spawning migrations into rivers, and muscle tissues were analyzed for fatty acid profiles. Exploratory multivariate analyses were used to investigate variation in fatty acid profiles among captured individuals and to compare these to profiles of potential host species. In general, we noted a large variability in fatty acid profiles suggesting a broad spectrum of host species targeted by sea lamprey. Comparing sea lamprey fatty acid profiles with published data on host species, we concluded that sea lamprey feed on a wide variety of host species.     

Use of an artificial stream to monitor avoidance behavior of larval sea lamprey in response to TFM and niclosamide

The lampricide 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM) has been used in liquid form to control larval sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in Great Lakes tributaries since the late 1950s. In the 1980s a dissolvable TFM bar was developed as a supplemental tool for application to small tributaries as a deterrent to larvae seeking water not activated with TFM. The size, mass, and number of bars needed in some streams, as well as the location of the streams, limit the utility of a TFM bar. The development and use of an alternative niclosamide bar has the potential to use fewer bars to achieve similar results. However, the use of a niclosamide bar is dependent upon its larval deterrent capability compared to the TFM bar. In this study, we developed a laboratory-scale, simulated stream fluvarium with several avoidance areas including two side channels and a seep. The objective was to evaluate the deterrent capabilities of TFM and niclosamide. We found similar behavioral responses, with TFM and niclosamide having similar capabilities to prevent sea lamprey from seeking refuge in side channels and seep avoidance areas. TFM-treated side channels and seep increased sea lamprey occupancy in the main channel 2.56 times more than the untreated-controls (95% CI 1.63–4.14) whereas niclosamide-treated side channels and seep increased sea lamprey occupancy of the main channel 2.68 times more than the untreated-controls (95% CI 1.72–4.32). These responses indicate a niclosamide bar would effectively prevent sea lamprey escapement into freshwater during a lampricide treatment at concentrations unlikely to harm aquatic organisms.     

100 years of sea lampreys above Niagara Falls: A reflection on what happened and what we learned

In the one hundred years since sea lampreys (Petromyzon marinus) were discovered in Lake Erie, the species completed its invasion throughout the Great Lakes basin, contributed to the downfall of the commercial fishing industry, and served as a catalyst for the development of the collaborative fishery management regime that exists today. The sea lamprey invasion simultaneously caused wide-spread devastation while giving rise to a collective realization that the health of the Great Lakes would require ongoing cooperation among governments, scientists, and users of the resource. Since its inception, the effort to control sea lampreys in the Great Lakes has been defined by a “shoot for the moon” mentality. The desperation of communities directly harmed by the sea lamprey invasion, coupled with the determination and unyielding commitment to science by those tasked with addressing the problem, led to the formation of the only reported successful aquatic vertebrate invasive species control program at an ecosystem scale.     

Sea Lamprey Control Techniques: Past,Present, and Future

Early attempts at controlling the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in the Great Lakes in the 1950s centered on a variety of mechanical and electrical devices to prevent migration of adults into tributary streams to reproduce. Although some of the devices were effective, it became obvious that barriers alone were not an adequate solution to the lamprey predation problem. Researchers screened over 6,000 chemicals before they found 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM), a toxicant to which sea lamprey larvae and adults are particularly sensitive. Bayer 73 enhances lampricidal activity when used in combination with TFM. In 1970, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) required additional studies to support continued use and registration of TFM. Most of these studies have been completed, but the EPA could cancel the existing registration in the event of unforeseen problems or hazards associated with its use. Therefore, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission continues to support research on lamprey control techniques, such as new formulations of TFM and Bayer 73, sterile male techniques, and attractants and repellents. Development of an integrated management program to combat the sea lamprey is being planned. This concept involves the systematic application of multiple techniques in a way that will exert maximum impact on the sea lamprey. Possible programs may involve chemical, biological, and physical control techniques, each of which would be subject to its own registration or regulatory requirements.     

Predicting Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) Ammocoete Habitat Using Geographic Information Systems

The sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) is an invasive, parasitic species with a long history of decimating fisheries in the Laurentian Great Lakes. The sea lamprey life cycle consists of stream larval ammocoete, open water parasitic, and adult spawning phases. Population control of sea lamprey is achieved mainly through the application of chemical lampricides that target the sedentary larval stage. The physical characteristics of preferred ammocoete habitat are well defined at the sub-reach scale (< 50 m). We tested whether the spatial distribution of beds of preferred ammocoete habitat depends upon a specific set of geomorphic variables (field-measured slope, and geographic information system (GIS)- derived curvature, radius of curvature, presence of a confluence, and valley wall type). We tested for this relationship at several spatial scales of stream length ranging from 50 m to 300 m, on the East Branch of the Chagrin River, Ohio, USA, a tributary stream to Lake Erie. Of the five geomorphic variables tested, field-measured slope and radius of curvature influence the probability of a stream segment containing preferred habitat at a stream segment length of 50 m. We found no relationships at longer stream segment lengths. GIS-estimated slopes were not sufficiently accurate at such short segment lengths, so the final model included radius of curvature only. These results are applicable to the Empiric Stream Treatment Ranking (ESTR) system, which ranks tributaries for treatment with lampricide based partially on the total amount of preferred ammocoete habitat. GIS-based estimates of the total amount of preferred ammocoete habitat may complement current field-based estimates, or provide a basis for nested sampling designs.     

Movement of Sea Lamprey in the Lake Champlain Basin

Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) are a nuisance aquatic species in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain that have devastated native fish populations and hampered the restoration of sport fisheries. This study examined inter-basin movement of sea lamprey in Lake Champlain to identify tributaries that contribute parasitic-phase sea lamprey and provide information for prioritizing those tributaries for sea lamprey control. A total of 4,125 recently metamorphosed sea lamprey was captured in tributaries to Lake Champlain and marked using coded wire tags between the fall of 2001 and winter 2003. These sea lamprey migrated to the lake to prey on salmonids and other fishes and returned to tributaries to spawn about 12–18 months after migration. We recaptured 6 tagged sea lamprey from the lake from spring 2002 through winter 2004, and 35 from tributaries in spring 2003 and 2004. We noted no apparent trends in movement among basins. Sea lamprey were collected at distances up to 64 km from their natal tributaries. Tributary contributions of parasites were significantly different from expectations in the 2002 parasitic-phase cohort (χ² = 9.668, p < 0.011, 3 df), suggesting differential survival rates among out-migrating transformers from different tributaries. Estimates of the lake-wide out-migrating transformer population for the 2002 and 2003 parasitic-phase cohorts were 269,139 ± 55,610 (SD) and 111,807 ± 23,511 (SD). Results from this study suggest that sea lamprey movement is not inhibited by causeways dividing sub-basins, but movement among sub-basins is somewhat constrained. This indicates that management efforts to control sea lamprey should continue to treat the lake as a single system.     

An evaluation of statistical methods for estimating abundances of migrating adult sea lamprey

We evaluated statistical methods for estimating abundances of adult sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) migrating in Great Lakes tributaries. The sea lamprey is the target of a basin-wide, bi-national control program. Abundance estimates from mark-recapture data are used to evaluate program success and the efficiency of sea lamprey trapping. Recent tracking studies suggested the mark-recapture estimates of abundance could be biased. We compared four estimators of abundance using stratified (weekly) mark-recapture data for 19?years of trapping in the St. Marys River. Abundances from the pooled Petersen estimator were similar to abundances from the stratified Schaefer and stratified Petersen estimators, but substantially lower than abundances from a stratified Bayesian P-spline estimator. In simulations of virtual populations, pooled Petersen and Bayesian P-spline estimates were similar across a range of conditions where catchability differed between marked and unmarked lamprey and changed over the trapping season, with one exception. Abundances from the Bayesian P-spline estimator were strongly positively biased when catchability of marked lamprey increased over the season, while catchability of unmarked lamprey did not. Estimates from both estimators were negatively biased when lamprey displayed consistent individual differences in catchability and positively biased when a proportion of marked lamprey fell back. Discrepancies between mark-recapture and tracking studies cannot be reconciled by the choice of abundance estimator, but could be an outcome of bias due to individual differences in catchability. Sea lamprey managers could also switch from the stratified Schaefer to the pooled Petersen estimator to simplify field operations without losing accuracy and precision.     

A life cycle approach to modeling sea lamprey population dynamics in the Lake Champlain basin to evaluate alternative control strategies

Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) is a nuisance species in the Laurentian Great Lakes and Lake Champlain that has devastated native fish populations and hampered sport fisheries development. We developed a modified stage-based life history matrix for sea lamprey to analyze the effects of various management efforts to suppress sea lamprey population growth in Lake Champlain. These efforts targeted different life stages of the sea lamprey life cycle. A beta distribution was used to distribute stochastic larval populations among twenty sea lamprey-bearing tributaries and five deltas to Lake Champlain, from which sea lamprey that survive through larval metamorphosis were then pooled into a lake-wide parasitic-phase population. Parasitic-phase survival to the spawning stage was evaluated based on proximity to the natal tributary and on the size of the resident larval population in each tributary. Potential control strategies were modeled at egg to emergence, larval, and spawning stages to reduce vital rates at each stage, with the goal of suppressing parasitic-phase production. Simulations indicate that control of the larval stage was essential to achieving this goal, and with supplemental effort to reduce the vital rates at early life stages and at the spawning stage, the parasitic-phase population can be further suppressed. Sensitivity simulations indicate that the life history model was sensitive to egg deposition rate, abundance of parasitic-phase sea lamprey from unknown, uncontrolled sources, and the method in which parasitic-phase sea lamprey select tributaries for spawning. Results from this model can guide management agencies to optimize future management programs.     

Estimating wounding of lake trout by sea lamprey in the upper Great Lakes: Allowing for changing size-specific patterns

A primary fishery concern in the Laurentian Great Lakes is mitigating the persistent negative impact of parasitic sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) on native lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush). Wounds observed on surviving lake trout are commonly used by managers to assess damages associated with sea lamprey predation. We estimated the relationship between wounding rates and lake trout size, and how this varied spatially and temporally. We built upon previously published work by fitting wound rates as a logistic function of lake trout size. By using longer time series and data from three Great Lakes, our analysis harnessed substantially more contrast in host populations than previous work, and we also employed software advances for nonlinear mixed-effect models. Candidate models allowed logistic function parameters to be constant or to vary spatially, temporally, or both. Temporal effects were modeled as random walk processes. We also considered models that assumed either Poisson or negative binomial distributions for the number of wounds per fish at a given length. Models that allowed for both spatial and temporal effects in the shaping parameters and assumed a negative binomial wound distribution resulted in the best fit as indicated by Akaike's Information Criterion. Wounding rate estimates from models selected for each lake in this analysis are contrasted with those of wounding rate models currently used as components of lake trout population assessments. Although model fit was improved substantially, differences in wounding rates estimates are modest and estimates follow very similar temporal trends. However, as time series of wound data continue to grow, models that incorporate temporal variability in parameter estimation are expected to be increasingly favored. This research provides managers with an updated tool to obtain more reliable estimates of sea lamprey wounding.     

Effectiveness of Using Backpack Electrofishing Gear for Collecting Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) Larvae in Great Lakes Tributaries

The effects of water depth, larval density, stream conductance, temperature, lamprey length, and larval escapement were examined to determine the efficiency of sampling sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) larvae using direct current (DC) backpack electrofishing gear. A higher proportion of larvae of all sizes were collected per unit sampling effort when sample sites were shallower, contained fewer larvae, or were in streams of lower specific conductance (P < 0.001). Temperature did not affect the efficiency of sampling lamprey larvae in this study. The investigation of the effect of larval escapement on observed catch was inconclusive. Similar length distributions were found between lamprey larvae collected using electrofishing gear and those collected using either a suction dredge or collected during a lampricide treatment. These results have implications for the development of a sampling protocol that uses a single-pass electrofishing technique to estimate the overall abundance of sea lamprey larvae in a stream. This estimate is critical to determining the number of larvae with the potential to metamorphose as parasitic lamprey the following year, and consequently, the prioritization of streams for lampricide treatment.     

Consistent individual differences in sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) behaviour: Implications for control via trapping

We tested if consistent individual differences (CIDs) in the behaviour of sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) from the Laurentian Great Lakes could influence their vulnerability to trapping. The sea lamprey is invasive in the Upper Laurentian Great Lakes and the target of a binational control program. Trapping could be used for control if trapping efficiency is unbiased and effective. Our test involved comparing the behaviour of sea lamprey collected in the field from a trap (n = 42) at a barrier and electrofished (n = 9) downstream of the barrier. We quantified each individual's latency to exit an enclosure (a measure of exploration), proportion of time spent moving (a measure of general activity), and change in activity in response to a putative predator cue (a measure of boldness). CIDs were detected for each behaviour measured (intraclass correlations: 0.3–0.5). CIDs in behaviour also differed between trapped individuals and those collected downstream using electrofishing, irrespective of size, sex, and maturity status. Trapped individuals decreased their activity in response to a putative predator cue, while individuals collected using electrofishing increased their activity in response to the cue. Trapped individuals also tended to spend a greater proportion of time moving than individuals sampled downstream of the trap. However, the two samples of lamprey did not differ significantly in time taken to exit an enclosure. The behavioural differences between sea lamprey sampled from a trap and those sampled downstream of the trap suggest that CIDs in behaviour can influence an individual's vulnerability to trapping.     

Seasonal Patterns in Growth,Blood Consumption,and Effects on Hosts by Parasitic-Phase Sea Lampreys in the Great Lakes: An Individual-Based Model Approach

An individual-based model (IBM) was developed for sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) populations in the Laurentian Great Lakes. The IBM was then calibrated to observed growth, by season, for sea lampreys in northern Lake Huron under two different water temperature regimes: a regime experienced by Seneca-strain lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) and a regime experienced by Marquettestrain lake trout. Modeling results indicated that seasonal blood consumption under the Seneca regime was very similar to that under the Marquette regime. Simulated mortality of lake trout directly due to blood removal by sea lampreys occurred at nearly twice the rate during August and September under the Marquette regime than under the Seneca regime. However, cumulative sea lamprey-induced mortality on lake trout over the entire duration of the sea lamprey's parasitic phase was only 7% higher for the Marquette regime compared with the Seneca regime. Thus, these modeling results indicated that the strain composition of the host (lake trout) population was not important in determining total number of lake trout deaths or total blood consumption attributable to the sea lamprey population, given the sea lamprey growth pattern. Regardless of water temperature regime, both blood consumption rate by sea lampreys and rate of sea lamprey-induced mortality on lake trout peaked in late October. Elevated blood consumption in late October appeared to be unrelated to changes in water temperature. The IBM approach should prove useful in optimizing control of sea lampreys in the Laurentian Great Lakes.     

Factors Responsible for the Reduction in Quantity of the Lampricide,TFM, Applied Annually in Streams Tributary to the Great Lakes from 1979 to 1999

Integrated management of sea lampreys (Petromyzon marinus) in the Great Lakes relies primarily on the application of the lampricide, 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM), into streams to eradicate larval populations. From 1979 to 1999, 1,282 lampricide treatments were conducted on 316 streams. During the period from 1979 to 1989, an average of 52,904 kg active ingredient (kg/yr) of TFM was applied annually. This was reduced to an average of 38,698 kg/yr for the decade of 1990 to 1999. This reduction was enhanced in the years of 1995 to 1999 to an average of 34,120 kg/yr, a 36% reduction from that used in 1979 to 1989. Efforts to minimize non-target mortality and to reduce applications of pesticides into the environment were the impetus for this reduction. The three factors that influenced annual TFM use were number of streams treated and conditions during treatment, the adaptation of several management techniques to reduce TFM use, and alternative control techniques. Changes in streams selected for treatment and scheduling treatments during low stream discharge accounted for about 26% of the reduction in annual TFM use. The management techniques include lampricide treatments with a TFM/niclosamide mixture, pH/alkalinity prediction models to determine minimum TFM requirements, maintaining lampricide concentrations at or near minimum levels, computer modeled treatment planning, and single block treatments, and were responsible for about 70% of the reduction observed in the 1990s. Alternative control techniques (barrier dams) accounted for only 4% of the reduction.     

Classifying Sea Lamprey Marks on Great Lakes Lake Trout: Observer Agreement,Evidence on Healing Times between Classes,and Recommendations for Reporting of Marking Statistics

In 1997 and 1998 two workshops were held to evaluate how consistent observers were at classifying sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) marks on Great Lakes lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) as described in the King classification system. Two trials were held at each workshop, with group discussion between trials. Variation in counting and classifying marks was considerable, such that reporting rates for A1–A3 marks varied two to three-fold among observers of the same lake trout. Observer variation was greater for classification of healing or healed marks than for fresh marks. The workshops highlighted, as causes for inconsistent mark classification, both departures from the accepted protocol for classifying marks by some agencies, and differences in how sliding and multiple marks were interpreted. Group discussions led to greater agreement in classifying marks. We recommend ways to improve the reliability of marking statistics, including the use of a dichotomous key to classify marks. Laboratory data show that healing times of marks on lake trout were much longer at 4°C and 1°C than at 10°C and varied greatly among individuals. Reported A1–A3 and B1–B3 marks observed in late summer and fall collections likely result from a mixture of attacks by two year classes of sea lamprey. It is likely that a substantial but highly uncertain proportion of attacks that occur in late summer and fall lead to marks that are classified as A1–A3 the next spring. We recommend additional research on mark stage duration.