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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Invasive crayfish are reshaping freshwater ecosystems, and there's a lot of new ground to cover. 🦞The Invasive Crayfish Collaborative is hosting two virtual lightning talk sessions packed with the latest on impacts, distribution, management, and policy.💻 Session 1: Mon, April 27 | 3 pm ET / 2 pm CT💻 Session 2: Tue, April 28 | 12 pm ET / 11 am CT🔗 Registration links in bio.
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