In 1921, a vampire-like sea lamprey appeared above Niagara Falls; by the late 1930s, it had spread through the Great Lakes and devastated native lake trout
A parasitic sea lamprey entered Lake Erie in 1921, spreading rapidly through the Great Lakes. This invasive species devastated native fish populations, causing a severe fishery collapse. Lake trout catches plummeted dramatically, impacting local economies and jobs. The United States and Canada formed a commission to control the lamprey population. Ongoing efforts continue to manage this invasive vertebrate in the freshwater ecosystem.
A parasitic sea lamprey entered Lake Erie in 1921, spreading rapidly through the Great Lakes. This invasive species devastated native fish populations, causing a severe fishery collapse. Lake trout catches plummeted dramatically, impacting local economies and jobs. The United States and Canada formed a commission to control the lamprey population. Ongoing efforts continue to manage this invasive vertebrate in the freshwater ecosystem.
