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
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.
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.
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.