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Native lampreys, ancient fish that have been on Earth for hundreds of millions of years, are an integral part of freshwater and marine systems. They provide an array of ecosystem services that benefit many aquatic organisms. Lampreys are also important to Tribal cultures: providing nourishment, medicine, and supporting fishing traditions. 

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Globally, lamprey populations have declined due primarily to habitat loss and the introduction of migration barriers such as dams. Today, many lamprey populations are depleted and of conservation concern. 

In 2022, USGS Western Fisheries Research Center scientist, Theresa “Marty” Liedtke and other members of the Pacific Lamprey Conservation Initiative co-organized a symposium on native lampreys at the National American Fisheries Society meeting in Spokane, Washington. Lamprey enthusiasts from around the country came together to share new research and discuss challenges in native lamprey conservation. The symposium fostered new collaborations and sparked interest in developing a special collection of lamprey research articles.

Following the symposium, organizers worked with the American Fisheries Society and a range of lamprey researchers to plan and execute a special issue highlighting these ancient and unique fish.  In this new  issue of the journal North American Journal of Fisheries Management titled “Native Lampreys: Research and Conservation of Ancient Fishes” these scientists share what they have been learning about native lampreys and conservation efforts to support these species. The introductory paper for the issue (Bringing partners together) highlights the efforts of the Pacific Lamprey Conservation Initiative and organizes the articles by topic. Additional contributions cover a wide range of topics, including differences in lamprey life cycles and populations; the impacts of water management; restoration science; and methodologies to support research and management.

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Recent recognition demonstrates the level of need and interest around native lampreys. The article, “Synthesis of larval lamprey responses to dewatering: State of the science, critical uncertainties, and management implications” was recently recognized as a Top Cited Article for 2022-2023 in The North American Journal of Fisheries Management.  In this article, Liedtke and partners from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife summarize what is known about dewatering and highlight areas that need additional research to support lamprey conservation efforts. 

Liedtke, T.L., J.E. Harris, C.J. Wang, and T.M. Sutton. 2023. Bringing partners together: A symposium on native lampreys and the Pacific Lamprey Conservation Initiative. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 43 (6) 1448-1457. https://doi.org/10.1002/nafm.10970  

Liedtke, T. L., J.E. Harris, M.R. Blanchard, J.J. Skalicky, and A.B. Grote. 2023. Synthesis of larval lamprey responses to dewatering: State of the science, critical uncertainties, and management implications. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 43 (6) 1475-1491. https://doi.org/10.1002/nafm.10924  

Harris, J.E., T.L. Liedtke, J.J. Skalicky, and L.K. Weiland. 2023. Salvage using electrofishing methods caused minimal mortality of burrowed and emerged larval lampreys in dewatered habitats. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 43(6) 1553-1566  https://doi.org/10.1002/nafm.10894