Pacific Lamprey Entosphenus tridentatus: Integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Contemporary Values into Conservation Planning

Pacific lamprey are in decline throughout their native range, and lack biological information. Pacific lamprey is a cultural icon for Native American Tribes, who dedicate research funds to address their recovery. To determine tribal values for the purpose of informing conservation planning of Pacific lamprey, we utilized 1), oral history interviews of tribal elders, and 2), written questionnaires distributed to adult (18 years and older) tribal populations. We interviewed 32 elders (11 Grand Ronde, 10 Siletz, and 11 Umatilla) to gain insights into lamprey biology, distribution, cultural value, and decline. We received 188/753 (25%) completed questionnaires (38 Grand Ronde, 60 Siletz, and 90 Umatilla) that assessed modern lamprey awareness and value. Our interviews indicated tribes have lost harvest locations due to lamprey decline and anthropogenic damage. Questionnaire results revealed the prominent issues relating to lamprey are: awareness, harvest accessibility, and fish availability. Questionnaire analysis assessing demographic information, found one question to be independent of tribal affiliation: Would you like to harvest lamprey? (Chi-square test, DF = 2, P-value = 0.131). Indicating that while the knowledge varied amongst tribes, the desire to harvest lamprey remains ubiquitous. Conservation measures that promote the recovery of Pacific lamprey is crucial to Native American culture.