Pesticides, Flame Retardants, and Mercury in Tissues from Columbia Basin Pacific Lamprey
Scientist Holding an Adult Pacific Lamprey
A Diagram of the Life Stages of Pacific Lamprey
Pesticides, flame retardants, and mercury were present in Pacific lampreys (Entosphenus tridentatus) at levels that may be contributing to their overall decline in the Columbia River Basin.These findings are based on the largest available dataset of contaminants measured in lamprey tissues and lamprey habitats by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC).
Concentrations of some flame retardants and pesticides were several hundred times higher in larval and juvenile lamprey tissues than in the surrounding sediments. Using samples from Umatilla River Basin, Willamette River Basin, Yakima River Basin, and other Columbia River tributaries, this study provides insight into the bioaccumulation of contaminants in lampreys. Levels of contaminants similar to those measured in larval lampreys during this study have been determined to cause developmental problems in salmonids in other studies.
Pacific lampreys are integral to ecosystem health. They provide valuable subsistence resources to tribal communities, bring important marine nutrients into freshwater areas, and serve as a buffer against the predation of juvenile salmon and steelhead by sea lions, terns, and other predators by providing an alternate food source.
The research was the result of a multiagency effort among numerous tribes and State and Federal entities. This research was funded by the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area’s Environmental Health Program (Contaminant Biology and Toxic Substances Hydrology) and supported by the USGS Cooperative Water Program and CRITFC.
About CRITFC
The Portland-based Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission is the technical support and coordinating agency for fishery management policies of the Columbia River Basin's four treaty tribes: the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, and the Nez Perce Tribe.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
USGS Cooperative Matching Funds
Controls on Habitat for Native Lampreys in the Umpqua River Basin
Controls on Salmon and Lamprey Habitat along the Siletz River
Contaminants Affecting Pacific Lamprey in the Columbia River
Pesticides, flame retardants, and mercury were present in Pacific lampreys (Entosphenus tridentatus) at levels that may be contributing to their overall decline in the Columbia River Basin.These findings are based on the largest available dataset of contaminants measured in lamprey tissues and lamprey habitats by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC).
Concentrations of some flame retardants and pesticides were several hundred times higher in larval and juvenile lamprey tissues than in the surrounding sediments. Using samples from Umatilla River Basin, Willamette River Basin, Yakima River Basin, and other Columbia River tributaries, this study provides insight into the bioaccumulation of contaminants in lampreys. Levels of contaminants similar to those measured in larval lampreys during this study have been determined to cause developmental problems in salmonids in other studies.
Pacific lampreys are integral to ecosystem health. They provide valuable subsistence resources to tribal communities, bring important marine nutrients into freshwater areas, and serve as a buffer against the predation of juvenile salmon and steelhead by sea lions, terns, and other predators by providing an alternate food source.
The research was the result of a multiagency effort among numerous tribes and State and Federal entities. This research was funded by the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area’s Environmental Health Program (Contaminant Biology and Toxic Substances Hydrology) and supported by the USGS Cooperative Water Program and CRITFC.
About CRITFC
The Portland-based Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission is the technical support and coordinating agency for fishery management policies of the Columbia River Basin's four treaty tribes: the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, and the Nez Perce Tribe.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.