The Great Lakes Fishery Commission says the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has registered a sea lamprey mating pheromone it’s hoped can be used in combating the invasive species.
Since the 1990s, scientists have been researching the use of pheromones natural odours used by sea lampreys to communicate to manipulate sea lamprey behaviours.
The newly registered mating pheromone has been used as bait in traps that collect and remove adult sea lampreys before they have a chance to spawn.
Once registered in both the U.S. and Canada, the sea lamprey mating pheromone can be used to help control invasive sea lampreys throughout the Great Lakes.
Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency is in the process of registering the mating pheromone for use in Canada.
Research and development of the mating pheromone was funded by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission in collaboration with government, university, and private industry partners.
(The Canadian Press)