Sea Lamprey Symposium
The Pere Marquette Watershed Council has been concerned about the infiltration of Sea Lamprey into the PM River system for years. The directors had been divided with some supporting control by means of TFM and others for the utilization of the Custer Weir – but no one endorsed using both together. When it was apparent in 2006 that both were going to be implemented for another year the Council felt it important to host a symposium to explore the options.
The day-long Symposium was held October 14, 2006 at West Shore Community College, in Scotville, MI. Funds to present the symposium were provided by the Peter Wege Foundation and PMWC. The presenters were:
Mr. Jeff Slade, USF&WS – Ludington
Mr. Greg Klinger, USF&WS – Marquette
Mr. Jeff Smith, Smith-Root, Vancouver, WA (weir designer)
Dr. Terry Huber, US Geological Survey
Mr. Tom Rozich, MDNR Fisheries
Mr. Ray Schmidt, Michigan River Guides Association
Moderator – Mr. Chuck Pistis, MSU
Facilitator – Dr. Michael McKinney, WSCC
Topics included education in management of the Sea Lamprey, barriers, low-head dams, passage methods and sterile males. The rationale, effectiveness, design and improvements of the Custer Weir were presented. The effectiveness and collateral damage of the usage of TFM lampricides was reviewed as well as the studies into using sterile males. Fish passage and recreational impact issues were voiced. The afternoon concluded with panel discussion and question and answers.
Each participant was asked to complete an Evaluation Form at the conclusion of the Symposium. The following list represents comments from participants:
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water temperature is a primary factor in fish movements; plays more of a role than the electronic barrier (Custer Weir)
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future solutions using pheromones is key; research has the potential to enhance lamprey controls
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learned the history of sea lamprey control on the PM River
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depth and breadth of the technical/scientific expertise involved in reducing the sea lamprey problem
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the PM electrical barrier (Custer Weir) was a research experiment with not enough funds to make it work effectively – needed improvements, but no money available
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Custer Weir seems to be less damaging to PM Watershed
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timing of TFM treatments takes into account the mayfly and other insect reproduction stages
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proof that TFM harms burrowing insects
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the entire issue is very complicated
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there is no “silver bullet”
The PMWC went on record in November of 2006 to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, stating:
First, PMWC would like greater involvement of the MDNR in assessing the perceived restriction of upstream and downstream fish migration at the onset of weir operations. This should include sampling and scientific measures to ensure the validity of conclusions rendered.
Secondly, Mr. Jeff Smith, President of Smith-Root, suggested that additional improvements to the weir, including replacing the wooden platform for electrodes with a concrete platform as well as placing the grid at an angle, would improve the effectiveness and reliability of the weir and potentially improve fish passage during both upward and downward migration. We supported funding for these measures.
Thirdly, relocate some of the 27,000 sterilized male sea lampreys to our river so that spawning females that stayed below the weir, or any that got above the weir, could essentially be rendered non-productive. Perhaps the PM River would be a suitable location for the preliminary testing of sterile males in traps to capture sea lamprey.
Fourthly, pheromone studies appear to be promising. PMWC supported additional funding to be made for alternate control measures so that we learn sooner, rather than later, whether this is a viable and effective measure to control sea lamprey.
The PMWC offered its assistance to USF&WS and the MDNR in working to assure that all actions taken are in the best interest of the Pere Marquette River.
As of 2011, the Custer Weir is not in use, with no clear plans known for it’s removal from the river. TMF is still being applied to control the sea lamprey. PMWC continues to follow this issue.