Sea Lamprey Survey on Isle Royale, 2000

A Research and Collecting Permit (Permit Number ISRO-00-349) was granted on 7 July 2000 for the purpose of examining Washington Creek for the presence and distribution of sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) larvae. The stream was treated with lampricide in 1980. The most recent surveys were conducted in 1993 and no sea lampreys were detected at that time. Four biological technicians with electrofishing gear and associated stream survey equipment from the Sea Lamprey Control Program traveled to Isle Royale on 4 August 2000 on the commercial seaplane service from Houghton, MI. A total of four locations were surveyed on Washington Creek during the day. The four locations included: Along 200 m of stream in estuary; Along 200 m up and downstream of the U.S.G.S. gauging station; Along 200 m of stream up and downstream of the Hugginin Cove trail crossing; Along 200 m of stream up and downstream of old Minong Ridge trail crossing. Overall conditions for the electrofishing surveys were considered good with near normal water levels and clarity. No problems were encountered. Stream water temperature was between 15 and 16 degrees C at survey time. Surveys were conducted in water up to 0.3 m deep at the different locations in softer substrates that we consider preferable larval sea lamprey habitat. About 130 square meters of this habitat (total) was electrofished throughout the four locations and no sea lampreys were detected. Observations were made of leeches, mayfly larvae, and aquatic worms during the surveys but no other fish species were recorded. Considering the results of these surveys, we would like to return to the island in about four years to again survey Washington Creek for any re-established sea lamprey populations. We appreciate the continued support of the staff of the National Park Service in the conduct of this work. Michael Fodale December 12, 2000 Sea Lamprey Control Program

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Last Updated: Wednesday, August 4, 2004 11:32 AM
http://www.nps.gov/isro/lamprey.htm