Artificial Propagation for the Restoration and Conservation of Pacific Lampreys: Panacea or Problem?

Populations of Pacific lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus) in the Columbia River Basin (CRB) are declining for a variety of reasons. Because of this, there has been growing interest by tribal, state, federal, and private entities to establish facilities for lamprey aquaculture to conserve and restore dwindling populations and to provide animals for research use. For lamprey aquaculture to be successful there will need to be facilities available to conduct this work and standard protocols developed to ensure the production of healthy fish in sufficient numbers to achieve restoration and research goals. However, little is known about the intensive culture of lampreys. For this presentation, we will summarize some basic protocols and unique requirements for the culture of these fish. We will also discuss some outstanding research questions that need to be addressed prior to implementing a lamprey aquaculture program, including development and efficacy studies of potential foods, the effects of rearing density on fish growth and health, potential disease issues, genetics, and technical issues that may arise when trying to rear large numbers of young ammocoetes. Finally, the development of a monitoring program for judging the efficacy of supplementation and out-planting efforts seems prudent.