Environment DEC
From the October 2006 issue
State Continues Lake Champlain Sea Lamprey Control Program
DEC started applying its annual sea lamprey control treatments in four tributaries of Lake Champlain in September as a continuation of a long-term effort to protect the lake's fishery from the parasitic fish. Trout and salmon populations, native to Lake Champlain, are benefitting from this action.
Protects Champlain's Fisheries
When attacking, the lamprey
fastens onto its prey, feeding
until it is satiated or the fish dies
This year's treatments began on September 19, 2006, and are expected to be completed by early October. Staff from DEC, the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are administering the treatments and targeting the larval stage of sea lamprey. A fifth tributary in Vermont, Lewis Creek, is also being treated this fall.
In the Lake Champlain system, most immature sea lamprey live in streams for four years before descending into Lake Champlain to prey on other fish like trout and salmon. Under the sea lamprey control program, a pesticide, TFM (trifluoromethyl-nitrophenol), is applied in precise concentrations to the streams in a continuous, metered manner over a period of approximately 12 hours in order to kill immature sea lamprey larvae.
Water Use Advisories
Temporary water use advisories take effect in specific areas following each treatment to minimize human exposure to the treatment compounds. The State Department of Health recommends that the treated river and lake water not be used for drinking, swimming, fishing, irrigation, or livestock watering for the short period the lamprey control chemicals are present.
Lamprey treatments and water use advisories will have no effect on most residents in the Champlain basin. No municipal water supply systems will be affected. DEC staff identify all landowners along the waters for which treatments are planned. A letter is sent to residents, usually in late spring, informing them of the planned treatment and asking them if they or their livestock use water from a surface supply that will be affected by the treatment. Days before the treatment begins, another letter is sent to inform the resident that the treatment will be forthcoming.
DEC staff also contact residents who have indicated that they use the river or lake in an advisory area as a water supply and the resident is advised of the treatment. In addition, DEC provides a supply of water upon request to impacted residents and their livestock.
Local television and radio stations broadcast the dates when advisories begin and end. The treatment schedule is subject to change by weather conditions, stream flows or technical problems that may arise during the treatments. Residents are informed of any such changes.
Toll-free Treatment Updates
DEC has set up a toll-free number (1-800-638-5432) for the public to obtain information on lamprey treatments. Callers can receive information on the treatment schedule for the specific waters, progress reports, updates on treatments and water use advisories.
DEC studies have shown that sea lamprey control results in decreased wounding and scarring rates to other fish and can increase populations of lake trout and landlocked salmon. DEC surveys of anglers showed that more and substantially bigger trout and salmon were caught as a result of the previous treatment program. A study showed that this netted $21 million in economic benefits over an eight-year period as more boaters and anglers spent more time in the Lake Champlain area.
Affected Water Bodies
For a table of the bodies of water affected by lamprey control measures, see the link to the complete press release in "Related Links" below.
