In the news: Genetic mapping may help solve the invasive lamprey dilemma

Posted March 25th, 2013 in Aquatic Invasive Species
Genetic mapping of sea lamprey DNA may provide researchers some insight into controlling the invasive species, and may even lead to human health benefits.

 

From the Great Lakes Echo: 

“Sea lamprey – unlike the silver and American brook species – come from the Atlantic Ocean, accidentally introduced to the Great Lakes through shipping canals.

Like the native silver lamprey, sea lamprey are parasitic, with sharp teeth and a sucking disc mouth that allows them to feed on the blood of host fish. Also like the silver lamprey, they are harmless in their early stages of development. 

Sea lamprey spend the first four years of their life as larvae in the soft bottom and banks of lakes or streams, according to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. 

As they mature, they change into the harmful predator threatening the Great Lakes today, said Yu-Weng Chung-Davidson, a senior research associate on Li’s team.” 

 

Follow the link above to read the complete article.

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Ripple Effects is a collection of 8 activities for grades 6–12 that introduces students to aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes.

Through research, reporting, and role-playing games, students will:

✅ Explore how non-native species arrived
✅ Understand why they threaten native ecosystems
✅ Investigate their impact on the Great Lakes

Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards and Great Lakes Literacy Principles, this curriculum is perfect for engaging students in real-world science and stewardship.

🔗 visit the link in bio to learn more

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Open post by ilinseagrant with ID 17951809740076508
Ripple Effects is a collection of 8 activities for grades 6–12 that introduces students to aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes.Through research, reporting, and role-playing games, students will:✅ Explore how non-native species arrived✅ Understand why they threaten native ecosystems✅ Investigate their impact on the Great LakesAligned with Next Generation Science Standards and Great Lakes Literacy Principles, this curriculum is perfect for engaging students in real-world science and stewardship.🔗 visit the link in bio to learn more

Graduate students: don’t miss your chance to advance your research and expand your professional network! The 2026 Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Graduate Scholars Program is now open for applications. Whether your work focuses on coastal resiliency, Great Lakes science, water resources, or community engagement, this opportunity offers funding and professional development to support your graduate research. Learn more and apply today — opportunities like this don’t come every year!

👉 Read the full details at the link in bio.

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Open post by ilinseagrant with ID 17914034181268469
Graduate students: don’t miss your chance to advance your research and expand your professional network! The 2026 Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Graduate Scholars Program is now open for applications. Whether your work focuses on coastal resiliency, Great Lakes science, water resources, or community engagement, this opportunity offers funding and professional development to support your graduate research. Learn more and apply today — opportunities like this don’t come every year!👉 Read the full details at the link in bio.