2024
Luhring, T., Hume, J.B., Wagner, C.M.
Predation risk creates unexpected migration decisions in a non-homing semelparous fish Journal Article
In: Animal Behaviour, 2024.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: alarm cue, control, migration, sea lamprey, semiochemical, trap
@article{nokey,
title = {Predation risk creates unexpected migration decisions in a non-homing semelparous fish},
author = {Luhring, T., Hume, J.B., Wagner, C.M.},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2024.10.027},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-12-01},
urldate = {2024-12-01},
journal = {Animal Behaviour},
abstract = {Predation risk and migration are major forces shaping animal behaviour and fitness. Migratory animals are often under incredible energy and time constraints, yet predation risk is present during many natural migrations. Manipulating risk landscapes of migrating animals in natural settings offers an especially powerful way to assess how the perception of multiple chemical cues across large scales affects migratory behaviour and decision-making processes. In this study, we presented 432 upstream migrating sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus (a nonhoming semelparous fish) with a choice between two streams that differed in the presence or absence of an alarm cue, while chemical cues associated with suitable breeding conditions were present in each stream (larvae from previous generations). Three-quarters of them were detected at the confluence 3.3 km upstream on their night of release and during alarm cue exposure hours. Sea lamprey preferred the warmer of the two stream branches upstream of the confluence on nights when alarm cue was absent. Unexpectedly, the presence of alarm cue in either stream branch led to a preference for the branch upstream of the deeper portion of the main channel, independent of temperature differences between the streams. These results demonstrate that migratory decisions by sea lamprey at key points in their migration can be altered by the presence of predation risk. However, physical stream properties such as depth can potentially alter the perceived risk of predation and antipredator responses.},
keywords = {alarm cue, control, migration, sea lamprey, semiochemical, trap},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Predation risk and migration are major forces shaping animal behaviour and fitness. Migratory animals are often under incredible energy and time constraints, yet predation risk is present during many natural migrations. Manipulating risk landscapes of migrating animals in natural settings offers an especially powerful way to assess how the perception of multiple chemical cues across large scales affects migratory behaviour and decision-making processes. In this study, we presented 432 upstream migrating sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus (a nonhoming semelparous fish) with a choice between two streams that differed in the presence or absence of an alarm cue, while chemical cues associated with suitable breeding conditions were present in each stream (larvae from previous generations). Three-quarters of them were detected at the confluence 3.3 km upstream on their night of release and during alarm cue exposure hours. Sea lamprey preferred the warmer of the two stream branches upstream of the confluence on nights when alarm cue was absent. Unexpectedly, the presence of alarm cue in either stream branch led to a preference for the branch upstream of the deeper portion of the main channel, independent of temperature differences between the streams. These results demonstrate that migratory decisions by sea lamprey at key points in their migration can be altered by the presence of predation risk. However, physical stream properties such as depth can potentially alter the perceived risk of predation and antipredator responses.
2020
Hume, J.B., Lucas, M.C., Reinhardt, U., Hrodey, P.J. & Wagner, C.M.
Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) transit of a ramp equipped with studded substrate: implications for fish passage and invasive species control Journal Article
In: Ecological Engineering, vol. 155, no. 10597, 2020.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: alarm cue, conservation, control, fishway, management, sea lamprey, trap
@article{nokey,
title = {Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) transit of a ramp equipped with studded substrate: implications for fish passage and invasive species control},
author = {Hume, J.B., Lucas, M.C., Reinhardt, U., Hrodey, P.J. & Wagner, C.M.},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2020.105957},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-08-01},
urldate = {2020-08-01},
journal = {Ecological Engineering},
volume = {155},
number = {10597},
abstract = {Anguilliform-swimming fishes (eels, lampreys) are undergoing large and global declines due partly to an inability to pass dams via traditional fishways. The installation of “eel ladders” (wetted, studded/bristle substrates that permit these fishes to climb over obstructions) offer a potential solution.
We examined the behaviour of migrating sub-adult sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) as they approached and attempted to ascend a 45° studded ramp in a mesocosm placed in a river. We also examined motivation to use the ramp in the presence of a conspecific alarm cue that signals predation risk.
Entrance (75%) and attraction efficiency (85%) were high, but reduced by the presence of alarm cue. In total, 98% of sea lamprey attracted to the base of the ramp ascended, and alarm cue had no effect. Time to ascend the ramp (post-release) was variable (1–521 min) and on average was 119 min (50% probability = 35 min). Few sea lamprey required multiple attempts to ascend (19.8%) and was more likely during longer transit times, with multiple ramp attachments, and with higher body mass. Propensity to attach to the ramp increased with number of attempts. The high efficacy of this design, compared to poor-mediocre efficiencies of similar designs in previous studies, may be related to water velocity and depth, geometry of substrate studs, substrate presentation (horizontal/vertical, and incline), and length of studded substrate.
Studded ramps represent a substantial opportunity for managers attempting to selectively pass anguilliform fishes over dams, aiding conservation efforts. Applications to the management of sea lamprey include removal in their non-native Great Lakes range, and fish passage in their native range.},
keywords = {alarm cue, conservation, control, fishway, management, sea lamprey, trap},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Anguilliform-swimming fishes (eels, lampreys) are undergoing large and global declines due partly to an inability to pass dams via traditional fishways. The installation of “eel ladders” (wetted, studded/bristle substrates that permit these fishes to climb over obstructions) offer a potential solution.
We examined the behaviour of migrating sub-adult sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) as they approached and attempted to ascend a 45° studded ramp in a mesocosm placed in a river. We also examined motivation to use the ramp in the presence of a conspecific alarm cue that signals predation risk.
Entrance (75%) and attraction efficiency (85%) were high, but reduced by the presence of alarm cue. In total, 98% of sea lamprey attracted to the base of the ramp ascended, and alarm cue had no effect. Time to ascend the ramp (post-release) was variable (1–521 min) and on average was 119 min (50% probability = 35 min). Few sea lamprey required multiple attempts to ascend (19.8%) and was more likely during longer transit times, with multiple ramp attachments, and with higher body mass. Propensity to attach to the ramp increased with number of attempts. The high efficacy of this design, compared to poor-mediocre efficiencies of similar designs in previous studies, may be related to water velocity and depth, geometry of substrate studs, substrate presentation (horizontal/vertical, and incline), and length of studded substrate.
Studded ramps represent a substantial opportunity for managers attempting to selectively pass anguilliform fishes over dams, aiding conservation efforts. Applications to the management of sea lamprey include removal in their non-native Great Lakes range, and fish passage in their native range.
We examined the behaviour of migrating sub-adult sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) as they approached and attempted to ascend a 45° studded ramp in a mesocosm placed in a river. We also examined motivation to use the ramp in the presence of a conspecific alarm cue that signals predation risk.
Entrance (75%) and attraction efficiency (85%) were high, but reduced by the presence of alarm cue. In total, 98% of sea lamprey attracted to the base of the ramp ascended, and alarm cue had no effect. Time to ascend the ramp (post-release) was variable (1–521 min) and on average was 119 min (50% probability = 35 min). Few sea lamprey required multiple attempts to ascend (19.8%) and was more likely during longer transit times, with multiple ramp attachments, and with higher body mass. Propensity to attach to the ramp increased with number of attempts. The high efficacy of this design, compared to poor-mediocre efficiencies of similar designs in previous studies, may be related to water velocity and depth, geometry of substrate studs, substrate presentation (horizontal/vertical, and incline), and length of studded substrate.
Studded ramps represent a substantial opportunity for managers attempting to selectively pass anguilliform fishes over dams, aiding conservation efforts. Applications to the management of sea lamprey include removal in their non-native Great Lakes range, and fish passage in their native range.
Hume, J.B., Luhring, T.M. & Wagner, C.M.
In: Biological Invasions, vol. 22, pp. 2129–2142, 2020.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: alarm cue, control, management, migration, sea lamprey, semiochemical, trap
@article{nokey,
title = {Push, pull, or push-pull? An alarm cue better guides sea lamprey towards capture devices than a mating pheromone during the reproductive migration},
author = {Hume, J.B., Luhring, T.M. & Wagner, C.M. },
url = {https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10530-020-02242-4},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-03-16},
journal = {Biological Invasions},
volume = {22},
pages = {2129–2142},
abstract = {Widespread interest in the development of environmentally safe management actions has prompted research into the use of sensory cues to manipulate the movements of invasive species. The push–pull approach, for which attractive and repellent semiochemicals operate synergistically to guide individuals toward traps, has proven successful in insect pest management applications. We examined the effectiveness of a natural repellent (an alarm cue) and a natural attractant (a partial sex pheromone) in push-only (repel), pull-only (attract), and push–pull configurations, to guide invasive sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) toward and into a target trap during spawning migration into rivers. Using PIT telemetry to monitor sea lamprey movement within the river, we found that the alarm cue was capable of strongly altering sea lamprey distribution, “pushing” them toward target areas and generating rates of encounter with trap entrances sufficient to achieve trapping-for-control targets. Encounter rate with trap entrances was not improved, but performed more consistently, with the addition of the attractant in the push–pull configuration. There was evidence this could stem from a transition in internal state of motivation, from migration to reproduction. Use of the attractant alone was ineffective. No odor combination improved trap captures. We conclude that push–pull strategies will prove effective in guiding sea lamprey movements and recommend two improvements for subsequent testing in management scenarios: (1) use of a superior attractant (e.g. a sea lamprey migratory cue derived from conspecific larvae), and (2) its subsequent application to a capture methodology based on the entrainment of individuals near trap entrances.},
keywords = {alarm cue, control, management, migration, sea lamprey, semiochemical, trap},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Widespread interest in the development of environmentally safe management actions has prompted research into the use of sensory cues to manipulate the movements of invasive species. The push–pull approach, for which attractive and repellent semiochemicals operate synergistically to guide individuals toward traps, has proven successful in insect pest management applications. We examined the effectiveness of a natural repellent (an alarm cue) and a natural attractant (a partial sex pheromone) in push-only (repel), pull-only (attract), and push–pull configurations, to guide invasive sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) toward and into a target trap during spawning migration into rivers. Using PIT telemetry to monitor sea lamprey movement within the river, we found that the alarm cue was capable of strongly altering sea lamprey distribution, “pushing” them toward target areas and generating rates of encounter with trap entrances sufficient to achieve trapping-for-control targets. Encounter rate with trap entrances was not improved, but performed more consistently, with the addition of the attractant in the push–pull configuration. There was evidence this could stem from a transition in internal state of motivation, from migration to reproduction. Use of the attractant alone was ineffective. No odor combination improved trap captures. We conclude that push–pull strategies will prove effective in guiding sea lamprey movements and recommend two improvements for subsequent testing in management scenarios: (1) use of a superior attractant (e.g. a sea lamprey migratory cue derived from conspecific larvae), and (2) its subsequent application to a capture methodology based on the entrainment of individuals near trap entrances.
2018
Hume, J.B. & Wagner, C.M.
A death in the family: sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) avoidance of confamilial alarm cues diminishes with phylogenetic distance Journal Article
In: Ecology and Evolution, vol. 8, iss. 7, pp. 3751–3762, 2018.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: alarm cue, evolution, sea lamprey
@article{nokey,
title = {A death in the family: sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) avoidance of confamilial alarm cues diminishes with phylogenetic distance},
author = {Hume, J.B. & Wagner, C.M. },
url = {https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.3930},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-03-09},
urldate = {2018-03-09},
journal = {Ecology and Evolution},
volume = {8},
issue = {7},
pages = {3751–3762},
abstract = {Alarm signals released after predator attack function as reliable public information revealing areas of high risk. The utility of this information can extend beyond species boundaries, benefiting heterospecifics capable of recognizing and responding appropriately to the signal. Nonmutually exclusive hypotheses explaining the acquisition of heterospecific reactivity to cues suggest it could be conserved phylogenetically following its evolution in a common ancestor (a species-level effect) and/or learned during periods of shared risk (a population-level effect; e.g., shared predators). Using a laboratory-based space-use behavioral assay, we tested the response of sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) to the damage-released alarm cues of five confamilial (sympatric and allopatric) species and two distantly related out-groups: a sympatric teleost (white sucker Catostomus commersonii) and an allopatric agnathan (Atlantic hagfish Myxine glutinosa). We found that sea lamprey differed in their response to conspecific and heterospecific odors; exhibiting progressively weaker avoidance of cues derived from more phylogenetically distant confamilials regardless of current overlap in distribution. Odors from out-groups elicited no response. These findings suggest that a damage-released alarm cue is at least partially conserved within the Petromyzontidae and that sea lamprey perceives predator attacks directed to closely related taxa. These findings are consistent with similar observations from gastropod, amphibian and bony fish taxa, and we discuss this in an eco-evo context to provide a plausible explanation for the acquisition and maintenance of the response in sea lamprey.},
keywords = {alarm cue, evolution, sea lamprey},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Alarm signals released after predator attack function as reliable public information revealing areas of high risk. The utility of this information can extend beyond species boundaries, benefiting heterospecifics capable of recognizing and responding appropriately to the signal. Nonmutually exclusive hypotheses explaining the acquisition of heterospecific reactivity to cues suggest it could be conserved phylogenetically following its evolution in a common ancestor (a species-level effect) and/or learned during periods of shared risk (a population-level effect; e.g., shared predators). Using a laboratory-based space-use behavioral assay, we tested the response of sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) to the damage-released alarm cues of five confamilial (sympatric and allopatric) species and two distantly related out-groups: a sympatric teleost (white sucker Catostomus commersonii) and an allopatric agnathan (Atlantic hagfish Myxine glutinosa). We found that sea lamprey differed in their response to conspecific and heterospecific odors; exhibiting progressively weaker avoidance of cues derived from more phylogenetically distant confamilials regardless of current overlap in distribution. Odors from out-groups elicited no response. These findings suggest that a damage-released alarm cue is at least partially conserved within the Petromyzontidae and that sea lamprey perceives predator attacks directed to closely related taxa. These findings are consistent with similar observations from gastropod, amphibian and bony fish taxa, and we discuss this in an eco-evo context to provide a plausible explanation for the acquisition and maintenance of the response in sea lamprey.
2016
Luhring, T.M., Meckley, T.D., Johnson, N.S., Siefkes, M.J., Hume, J.B. & Wagner, C.M.
A semelparous fish continues upstream migration when exposed to alarm cue, but adjusts movement speed and timing Journal Article
In: Animal Behaviour, vol. 121, pp. 41–51, 2016.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: alarm cue, control, migration, sea lamprey
@article{nokey,
title = {A semelparous fish continues upstream migration when exposed to alarm cue, but adjusts movement speed and timing},
author = {Luhring, T.M., Meckley, T.D., Johnson, N.S., Siefkes, M.J., Hume, J.B. & Wagner, C.M.},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2016.08.007},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-11-01},
urldate = {2016-11-01},
journal = {Animal Behaviour},
volume = {121},
pages = {41–51},
abstract = {Animals make trade-offs between predation risk and pursuit of opportunities such as foraging and reproduction. Trade-offs between antipredator behaviours and foraging are well suited to manipulation in laboratory and field settings and have generated a vast compendium of knowledge. However, much less is known about how animals manage trade-offs between predation risk and pursuit of reproductive opportunities in the absence of the confounding effects of foraging. In the present study, we investigated how the nonfeeding migratory life stage of sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus, responds to odour from dead conspecifics (a cue that induces avoidance behaviours in laboratory and field studies). We released groups of PIT-tagged sea lamprey 65 m from the shore of Lake Michigan or 287 m upstream in Carp Lake River and used antennas to detect their movements in the river. As the breeding season progressed, sea lamprey initiated upstream movement earlier and were more likely to enter the river. Sea lamprey that began the night in Lake Michigan entered Carp Lake River at higher rates and accelerated upstream when exposed to high concentrations of alarm cue, consistent with animals attempting to minimize time spent in risky areas. Sea lampreys that began the night in the river delayed upstream movement when exposed to alarm cue, consistent with animals sheltering and gathering information about a source of risk. We attribute this context-specific reaction to alarm cue to differences in perceived vulnerability to predation in sheltered positions in the river versus exposed positions in the lake. Once in the river, the vast majority of sea lamprey moved upstream independent of alarm cue or Julian date. Although life-history-induced time and energy budgets place rigid constraints on the direction of migration, sea lamprey attend to predation risk by modifying movement timing and speed.},
keywords = {alarm cue, control, migration, sea lamprey},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Animals make trade-offs between predation risk and pursuit of opportunities such as foraging and reproduction. Trade-offs between antipredator behaviours and foraging are well suited to manipulation in laboratory and field settings and have generated a vast compendium of knowledge. However, much less is known about how animals manage trade-offs between predation risk and pursuit of reproductive opportunities in the absence of the confounding effects of foraging. In the present study, we investigated how the nonfeeding migratory life stage of sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus, responds to odour from dead conspecifics (a cue that induces avoidance behaviours in laboratory and field studies). We released groups of PIT-tagged sea lamprey 65 m from the shore of Lake Michigan or 287 m upstream in Carp Lake River and used antennas to detect their movements in the river. As the breeding season progressed, sea lamprey initiated upstream movement earlier and were more likely to enter the river. Sea lamprey that began the night in Lake Michigan entered Carp Lake River at higher rates and accelerated upstream when exposed to high concentrations of alarm cue, consistent with animals attempting to minimize time spent in risky areas. Sea lampreys that began the night in the river delayed upstream movement when exposed to alarm cue, consistent with animals sheltering and gathering information about a source of risk. We attribute this context-specific reaction to alarm cue to differences in perceived vulnerability to predation in sheltered positions in the river versus exposed positions in the lake. Once in the river, the vast majority of sea lamprey moved upstream independent of alarm cue or Julian date. Although life-history-induced time and energy budgets place rigid constraints on the direction of migration, sea lamprey attend to predation risk by modifying movement timing and speed.
Byford, G.J., Wagner, C.M., Hume, J.B. & Moser, M.L.
In: North American Journal of Fisheries Management, vol. 36, iss. 5, pp. 1090–1096, 2016.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: alarm cue, barrier, conservation, fishway, management, semiochemical
@article{nokey,
title = {Do native Pacific lamprey and invasive sea lamprey share an alarm cue? Implications for use of a natural repellent to guide imperiled Pacific lamprey into fishways},
author = {Byford, G.J., Wagner, C.M., Hume, J.B. & Moser, M.L.},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1080/02755947.2016.1198286},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-08-31},
journal = {North American Journal of Fisheries Management},
volume = {36},
issue = {5},
pages = {1090–1096},
abstract = {Instream barriers affect anadromous lampreys worldwide by preventing access to spawning habitat, resulting in the decline of several species. Because lampreys rely heavily on olfactory cues to choose movement paths during upstream migration in rivers, the manipulation of these cues may be used to guide individuals into the vicinity of fish passage devices and thereby mitigate the impacts of barriers during migration. However, because experimentation with imperiled species presents significant legal and ethical challenges, use of a surrogate species that exhibits similar responses may prove very useful. Our laboratory study established that (1) the odor derived from dead Pacific Lamprey Entosphenus tridentatus elicits an avoidance response from invasive Sea Lamprey Petromyzon marinus from the Laurentian Great Lakes, and (2) the magnitude of this response does not differ from the conspecific alarm cue present in Sea Lamprey. By presenting the odor on the side of a river channel opposite a lamprey fish passage device, migrating lampreys of conservation concern may be guided to fishways, if the behavioral response to the cue has evolved in these taxa. Due to their availability and well-studied chemical communication system, Sea Lamprey may prove to be a useful surrogate for identifying and producing chemosensory cues for use in guiding Pacific Lampreys towards fish passage devices and away from intakes and screens.},
keywords = {alarm cue, barrier, conservation, fishway, management, semiochemical},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Instream barriers affect anadromous lampreys worldwide by preventing access to spawning habitat, resulting in the decline of several species. Because lampreys rely heavily on olfactory cues to choose movement paths during upstream migration in rivers, the manipulation of these cues may be used to guide individuals into the vicinity of fish passage devices and thereby mitigate the impacts of barriers during migration. However, because experimentation with imperiled species presents significant legal and ethical challenges, use of a surrogate species that exhibits similar responses may prove very useful. Our laboratory study established that (1) the odor derived from dead Pacific Lamprey Entosphenus tridentatus elicits an avoidance response from invasive Sea Lamprey Petromyzon marinus from the Laurentian Great Lakes, and (2) the magnitude of this response does not differ from the conspecific alarm cue present in Sea Lamprey. By presenting the odor on the side of a river channel opposite a lamprey fish passage device, migrating lampreys of conservation concern may be guided to fishways, if the behavioral response to the cue has evolved in these taxa. Due to their availability and well-studied chemical communication system, Sea Lamprey may prove to be a useful surrogate for identifying and producing chemosensory cues for use in guiding Pacific Lampreys towards fish passage devices and away from intakes and screens.
Wagner, C.M., Kierczynski, K.E., Hume, J.B. & Luhring, T.M.
Exposure to a putative alarm cue reduces downstream drift in larval sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in the laboratory Journal Article
In: Journal of Fish Biology, vol. 89, iss. 3, pp. 1897–1904, 2016.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: alarm cue, control, sea lamprey
@article{nokey,
title = {Exposure to a putative alarm cue reduces downstream drift in larval sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in the laboratory},
author = {Wagner, C.M., Kierczynski, K.E., Hume, J.B. & Luhring, T.M.},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.13095},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-07-26},
urldate = {2016-07-26},
journal = {Journal of Fish Biology},
volume = {89},
issue = {3},
pages = {1897–1904},
abstract = {An experimental mesocosm study suggested larval sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus detect and respond to an alarm cue released by dead adult conspecifics. Larvae exhibited a reduced tendency to move downstream when exposed to the cue and were less likely to move under continuous v. pulsed exposure. These findings support the hypothesis that short-term exposure to the alarm cue would probably result in retraction into the burrow, consistent with the blind, cryptic lifestyle of the larval P. marinus.},
keywords = {alarm cue, control, sea lamprey},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
An experimental mesocosm study suggested larval sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus detect and respond to an alarm cue released by dead adult conspecifics. Larvae exhibited a reduced tendency to move downstream when exposed to the cue and were less likely to move under continuous v. pulsed exposure. These findings support the hypothesis that short-term exposure to the alarm cue would probably result in retraction into the burrow, consistent with the blind, cryptic lifestyle of the larval P. marinus.
2015
Hume, J.B., Meckley, T.D., Johnson, N.S., Luhring, T.M., Siefkes, M.J. & Wagner, C.M.
The application of an alarm cue in a push-pull configuration hastens arrival of invasive sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) at a trapping location Journal Article
In: Canadian journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, vol. 72, iss. 12, pp. 1799–1806, 2015.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: alarm cue, barrier, control, management, sea lamprey, trap
@article{nokey,
title = {The application of an alarm cue in a push-pull configuration hastens arrival of invasive sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) at a trapping location},
author = {Hume, J.B., Meckley, T.D., Johnson, N.S., Luhring, T.M., Siefkes, M.J. & Wagner, C.M. },
url = {https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfas-2014-0535},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-12-01},
urldate = {2015-12-01},
journal = {Canadian journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences},
volume = {72},
issue = {12},
pages = {1799–1806},
abstract = {The sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus is an invasive pest in the Laurentian Great Lakes basin, threatening the persistence of important commercial and recreational fisheries. There is substantial interest in developing effective trapping practices via the application of behavior-modifying semiochemicals (odors). Here we report on the effectiveness of utilizing repellent and attractant odors in a push–pull configuration, commonly employed to tackle invertebrate pests, to improve trapping efficacy at permanent barriers to sea lamprey migration. When a half-stream channel was activated by a naturally derived repellent odor (a putative alarm cue), we found that sea lamprey located a trap entrance significantly faster than when no odor was present as a result of their redistribution within the stream. The presence of a partial sex pheromone, acting as an attractant within the trap, was not found to further decrease the time to when sea lamprey located a trap entrance relative to when the alarm cue alone was applied. Neither the application of alarm cue singly nor alarm cue and partial sex pheromone in combination was found to improve the numbers of sea lamprey captured in the trap versus when no odor was present — likely because nominal capture rate during control trials was unusually high during the study period. Behavioural guidance using these odors has the potential to both improve control of invasive non-native sea lamprey in the Great Lakes as well as improving the efficiency of fish passage devices used in the restoration of threatened lamprey species elsewhere.},
keywords = {alarm cue, barrier, control, management, sea lamprey, trap},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus is an invasive pest in the Laurentian Great Lakes basin, threatening the persistence of important commercial and recreational fisheries. There is substantial interest in developing effective trapping practices via the application of behavior-modifying semiochemicals (odors). Here we report on the effectiveness of utilizing repellent and attractant odors in a push–pull configuration, commonly employed to tackle invertebrate pests, to improve trapping efficacy at permanent barriers to sea lamprey migration. When a half-stream channel was activated by a naturally derived repellent odor (a putative alarm cue), we found that sea lamprey located a trap entrance significantly faster than when no odor was present as a result of their redistribution within the stream. The presence of a partial sex pheromone, acting as an attractant within the trap, was not found to further decrease the time to when sea lamprey located a trap entrance relative to when the alarm cue alone was applied. Neither the application of alarm cue singly nor alarm cue and partial sex pheromone in combination was found to improve the numbers of sea lamprey captured in the trap versus when no odor was present — likely because nominal capture rate during control trials was unusually high during the study period. Behavioural guidance using these odors has the potential to both improve control of invasive non-native sea lamprey in the Great Lakes as well as improving the efficiency of fish passage devices used in the restoration of threatened lamprey species elsewhere.