Progress 11/01/06 to 10/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities: In 2007 we scheduled and completed the first ever field experiment utilizing the synthesized sea lamprey migratory pheromone components Petromyzonamine disulfate (PADS), petromyzosterol disulfate (PSDS), and petromyzonol sulfate (PS). We examined behavioral responses of migrating sea lampreys to two increasing concentrations (-13 Molar and -12 Molar) of three combinations of synthesized pheromone components (PADS, PADS+PSDS, PADS+PSDS+PS) with positive (whole larval odor) and negative (methanol) controls. We expected significant synergism to occur between PADS and PSDS, and that this synergism would occur at -12 Molar as observed in recent laboratory maze studies (P. Sorensen, pers. comm.). We did not expect PS to significantly increase lamprey responses until very high concentrations are achieved (e.g., -11 Molar). The ratio of PADS:PSDS:PS was fixed at the natural ratio of 1:0.3:0.1. The experiment took place at our field site on the Ocqueoc River in Presque
Isle County, Michigan. We also examined whether adding migratory pheromone would increase trap retention in standard sea lamprey traps. Events: We presented the results of research at the following meetings in 2007. 1) GLFC Sea Lamprey Research Board (spring and fall); 2) GLFC Sea Lamprey Integration Committee (spring and fall); 3) GLFC Reproduction Reduction Task Force (spring and fall); 4) GLFC Annual Meeting; 5) MSU Graduate Student Research Symposium.
PARTICIPANTS: Michael Wagner, Michigan State University, principal investigator. Mark Luehring, MSU, graduate student. Adam Thomas, MSU, undergraduate field technician. Timothy St. Pierre, MSU, undergraduate field technician. Sanjeev Mahabir, field technician. Gale Bravener, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, field technician. Rob Katona, US Fish & Wildlife Service, field technician. Michael Twohey, US Fish & Wildlife Service, collaborator.
TARGET AUDIENCES: Great Lakes Fishery Commission US Fish & Wildlife Service US Geological Survey, Department of Fisheries & Oceans Canada
Impacts
In 2001 the Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC) proffered a strategic vision for integrated sea lamprey management in the Great Lakes by the year 2010 that includes the following milestone: Accomplish at least 50% of sea lamprey suppression with alternative technologies while reducing lampricide use by 20% through the application of at least one new alternative-control method and increased use of sterile-male-release, trapping, and barrier deployment. The development and application of a new alternative control for sea lamprey is a large and significant undertaking. Based on a series of exciting discoveries, the Commission decided to investigate the utility of using reproductive pheromones to disrupt the spawning behavior of sea lampreys and to make them more vulnerable to traditional control and assessment technologies. During 2007 we translated our research findings, and those of others, into a draft strategic plan for the use of pheromones in the Great Lakes. The
plan arose from a workshop we conducted during 2006 and describes those research and development activities necessary to implement some form of pheromone control by 2010. The plan is the first in a 3-phase planning effort, the second phase of which is currently underway. We presented the plan to the GLFC via the Sea Lamprey Integration Committee (SLIC). The SLIC is using the objectives in the plan to monitor our productivity and to ensure we achieve the ultimate goal.
Publications
- Li, W., Twohey, M., Jones, M., and Wagner, M. 2007. Research to guide use of pheromones to control sea lamprey. J. Great Lakes Res. 33 (Special Issue 2):70-86.
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