Scientists hope lamprey 'perfume' can help reduce their numbers

[GLF]

Scientists have been trying to keep the invasive sea lamprey under control in the Great Lakes for decades. A pesticide helps keep their numbers down. But it's expensive, and sometimes it kills other fish. Now, researchers have discovered a lamprey "perfume," a pheromone or chemical attractant that could be a big help in their fight against one of the most destructive invasive species.

Duluth, Minn. — The sea lamprey came into the Great Lakes through canals more than 100 years ago. They're parasites, attaching themselves to big fish and sucking the juices out. Each lamprey can kill 40 pounds of fish in its lifetime.

Wildlife managers use a chemical called TFM to keep the lamprey numbers down. They spread the lampricide in streams in the spring, to kill some of the young lamprey as they swim down into the lake.

http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/10/03_hemphills_lampreys/