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.
2021
Docker, M.F., Johnson, N.S., Bravener, G.A., Garroway, C., Hammers, B., Hrodey, P., Hume, J.B., Lewandoski, S., Young, B., Zollweg-Horan, E.C., & Ogden, J.
A review of sea lamprey dispersal and population structure in the Great Lakes and the implications for control Journal Article
In: Journal of Great Lakes Research, vol. 47, S1, pp. S549-S569, 2021.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: control, genetics, management, migration, sea lamprey
@article{nokey,
title = {A review of sea lamprey dispersal and population structure in the Great Lakes and the implications for control},
author = {Docker, M.F., Johnson, N.S., Bravener, G.A., Garroway, C., Hammers, B., Hrodey, P., Hume, J.B., Lewandoski, S., Young, B., Zollweg-Horan, E.C., & Ogden, J. },
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jglr.2021.09.015},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-12-01},
urldate = {2025-12-01},
journal = {Journal of Great Lakes Research},
volume = {47, S1},
pages = {S549-S569},
abstract = {Understanding the population structure of invasive sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in the Great Lakes basin is essential for an effective control program. We review knowledge of lake connectivity, dispersal during the parasitic stage, and results from phenotypic, demographic, and genetic studies to evaluate how sea lamprey populations are structured. There is no evidence for contemporary movement between Lake Ontario and the Atlantic population, although it appears possible. Dispersal between Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes is more likely, as is contemporary movement between Lakes Ontario and Erie via the Welland Canal, although neither has been directly observed. Downstream movement from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario via the Niagara River has been reported. Bidirectional movement between Lakes Erie and Huron has been observed, and movement of sea lamprey among the upper Great Lakes (especially between Lakes Huron and Michigan) is relatively common, although complete mixing likely does not occur. The maximum straight-line dispersal distance reported for a tagged sea lamprey was 628 km between the St. Marys River and western Lake Erie. Genetic population studies using a variety of molecular markers generally found weak but significant broad-scale population structure (e.g., between freshwater and anadromous populations, and among Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and the upper Great Lakes), but finer-scale structure was rarely detected. Nevertheless, some within-basin structure is suggested by regional differences in phenotypic and demographic traits (e.g., sex ratio, body size). Further study will be important because management is most efficiently targeted when the geography of demographically independent populations is well-characterized.},
keywords = {control, genetics, management, migration, sea lamprey},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Understanding the population structure of invasive sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in the Great Lakes basin is essential for an effective control program. We review knowledge of lake connectivity, dispersal during the parasitic stage, and results from phenotypic, demographic, and genetic studies to evaluate how sea lamprey populations are structured. There is no evidence for contemporary movement between Lake Ontario and the Atlantic population, although it appears possible. Dispersal between Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes is more likely, as is contemporary movement between Lakes Ontario and Erie via the Welland Canal, although neither has been directly observed. Downstream movement from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario via the Niagara River has been reported. Bidirectional movement between Lakes Erie and Huron has been observed, and movement of sea lamprey among the upper Great Lakes (especially between Lakes Huron and Michigan) is relatively common, although complete mixing likely does not occur. The maximum straight-line dispersal distance reported for a tagged sea lamprey was 628 km between the St. Marys River and western Lake Erie. Genetic population studies using a variety of molecular markers generally found weak but significant broad-scale population structure (e.g., between freshwater and anadromous populations, and among Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and the upper Great Lakes), but finer-scale structure was rarely detected. Nevertheless, some within-basin structure is suggested by regional differences in phenotypic and demographic traits (e.g., sex ratio, body size). Further study will be important because management is most efficiently targeted when the geography of demographically independent populations is well-characterized.
Hume, J.B., Almeida, P.R., Buckley, C., Criger, L.A., Madenjian, C.P., Robinson, K.F., Wang, C. & Muir, A.M.
In: Journal of Great Lakes Research, vol. 47, S1, pp. S704–S722, 2021.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: climate, conservation, control, growth, management, migration, sea lamprey, trap
@article{nokey,
title = {Managing native and non-native sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) through anthropogenic change: a prospective assessment of key threats and uncertainties},
author = {Hume, J.B., Almeida, P.R., Buckley, C., Criger, L.A., Madenjian, C.P., Robinson, K.F., Wang, C. & Muir, A.M.},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jglr.2020.08.015},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-12-01},
urldate = {2021-12-01},
journal = {Journal of Great Lakes Research},
volume = {47, S1},
pages = {S704–S722},
abstract = {Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) is a species of conservation concern in their native range of the Atlantic coasts of Europe (Near Threatened to Critically Endangered) and North America (Secure to Critically Imperiled), and an invasive species of great economic and ecological concern in the Laurentian Great Lakes. Despite differences in life history strategy (anadromous natives vs adfluvial non-natives), the biology of sea lamprey is sufficiently similar to expect comparable responses to large-scale environmental change. We take a prospective look at the future (50 to 100 years) of sea lamprey management in an era of considerable environmental disturbance, and consider biological responses, management actions, and the future status of populations across the native and non-native ranges. Based on facilitated discussion by a diverse group of international experts, two major but poorly characterized classes of threats to sea lamprey were identified: climate change and socio-political issues. We discuss how climate induced changes affect growth, bioenergetics, and phenology of sea lamprey, and associated effects on control tactics (pesticides and barriers) and conservation. We consider tensions surrounding improving connectivity in the Great Lakes while controlling invasive sea lamprey, and discuss supplements and alternatives to pesticides and their wider effect, as well as the effects of new invasive species. To prevent the extirpation of native sea lamprey populations, or the re-expansion of non-native populations, we conclude with a call for new and ongoing dialogue and collaboration among all sea lamprey biologists and managers across the native and non-native range.},
keywords = {climate, conservation, control, growth, management, migration, sea lamprey, trap},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) is a species of conservation concern in their native range of the Atlantic coasts of Europe (Near Threatened to Critically Endangered) and North America (Secure to Critically Imperiled), and an invasive species of great economic and ecological concern in the Laurentian Great Lakes. Despite differences in life history strategy (anadromous natives vs adfluvial non-natives), the biology of sea lamprey is sufficiently similar to expect comparable responses to large-scale environmental change. We take a prospective look at the future (50 to 100 years) of sea lamprey management in an era of considerable environmental disturbance, and consider biological responses, management actions, and the future status of populations across the native and non-native ranges. Based on facilitated discussion by a diverse group of international experts, two major but poorly characterized classes of threats to sea lamprey were identified: climate change and socio-political issues. We discuss how climate induced changes affect growth, bioenergetics, and phenology of sea lamprey, and associated effects on control tactics (pesticides and barriers) and conservation. We consider tensions surrounding improving connectivity in the Great Lakes while controlling invasive sea lamprey, and discuss supplements and alternatives to pesticides and their wider effect, as well as the effects of new invasive species. To prevent the extirpation of native sea lamprey populations, or the re-expansion of non-native populations, we conclude with a call for new and ongoing dialogue and collaboration among all sea lamprey biologists and managers across the native and non-native range.
Mateus, C.S., Docker, M.F., Evanno, G., Hess, J.E., Hume, J.B., Oliveira, I., Souissi, A., Sutton, T.M.
Population structure in anadromous lampreys: patterns and processes Journal Article
In: Journal of Great Lakes Research, vol. 47, S1, pp. S38–S58, 2021.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: genetics, migration
@article{nokey,
title = {Population structure in anadromous lampreys: patterns and processes},
author = {Mateus, C.S., Docker, M.F., Evanno, G., Hess, J.E., Hume, J.B., Oliveira, I., Souissi, A., Sutton, T.M. },
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jglr.2021.08.024},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-12-01},
urldate = {2021-12-01},
journal = {Journal of Great Lakes Research},
volume = {47, S1},
pages = {S38–S58},
abstract = {Population structure can reveal the diversity, gene flow, and dispersal of a species. This information can be used to make management decisions and reveal fundamental aspects of an organism’s biology. Distinct intrinsic (e.g., biological characteristics) and extrinsic (e.g., geographical and historical events, environment, human pressures) factors can influence population structure, with significant differences among species. However, detection of population structure in migratory lamprey species can be difficult to detect due to their lack of natal homing; this is particularly the case for anadromous lampreys, with their potential for wide dispersal at sea during their parasitic feeding stage. We review phenotypic and genetic markers, as well as the methods that have been used to assess population structure in lampreys, and discuss the relative strengths and limitations of each. Structure has been detected in several anadromous species using some of these methods, even without homing in these species, but we briefly contrast the weak population structure observed in anadromous species with the stronger structure observed in freshwater-resident lamprey species (particularly non-migratory brook lampreys). We relate lamprey population structure to species-specific ecological traits, such as juvenile dispersal tendencies, and provide case studies of six species. Delineation of appropriate management units in migratory lamprey species is important for conservation and management.},
keywords = {genetics, migration},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Population structure can reveal the diversity, gene flow, and dispersal of a species. This information can be used to make management decisions and reveal fundamental aspects of an organism’s biology. Distinct intrinsic (e.g., biological characteristics) and extrinsic (e.g., geographical and historical events, environment, human pressures) factors can influence population structure, with significant differences among species. However, detection of population structure in migratory lamprey species can be difficult to detect due to their lack of natal homing; this is particularly the case for anadromous lampreys, with their potential for wide dispersal at sea during their parasitic feeding stage. We review phenotypic and genetic markers, as well as the methods that have been used to assess population structure in lampreys, and discuss the relative strengths and limitations of each. Structure has been detected in several anadromous species using some of these methods, even without homing in these species, but we briefly contrast the weak population structure observed in anadromous species with the stronger structure observed in freshwater-resident lamprey species (particularly non-migratory brook lampreys). We relate lamprey population structure to species-specific ecological traits, such as juvenile dispersal tendencies, and provide case studies of six species. Delineation of appropriate management units in migratory lamprey species is important for conservation and management.
2020
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.
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.