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Future of Great Lakes Sea Lamprey Control Program Hangs in the Balance

Recent developments regarding staff layoffs within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) have raised concerns about the future of the Great Lakes sea lamprey control program. Despite receiving commendable performance evaluations over the past year, one employee expressed confusion over the abrupt termination of staff, indicating, “It’s not a real explanation.”

In Canada, however, the sea lamprey control initiative appears to remain secure. According to McClinchey, representatives from the Canadian government confirmed that funding for the program would continue, ensuring the operation can maintain its presence in Canadian waters. He remarked, “That’s great, but this program works because it’s border blind.” This statement underscores the critical nature of collaboration across borders, as any cutbacks in the U.S. could have cascading negative effects on fisheries throughout the Great Lakes region.

A week prior, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission faced potential disruptions when the USFWS announced a hiring freeze that would hinder the seasonal recruitment of workers necessary for the lampricide application in April. Fortunately, this decision was recently reversed, a turn of events that has provided McClinchey with a renewed sense of optimism. “That at least tells us no one is rooting for the lamprey,” he stated, alluding to the collective effort to preserve fish populations.

Currently in Washington D.C., McClinchey is actively engaging with members of Congress during the appropriation season, aiming to advocate for both the commission’s work and the reinstatement of the employees who were laid off. His spirit remains upbeat: “It seems clear to me that it’s important we preserve this program, and so far everyone we’ve encountered thinks that way and are working to that end.”

Despite the uncertainty, cutting back the program entirely is not seen as a viable option for the commission. McClinchey has emphasized that even minor reductions would be detrimental to the health of the fishery.

Even those previously associated with the USFWS uphold a sense of hope. A former employee from Marquette affirmed, “I still think that they’re going to scramble to make it happen,” suggesting that halting treatment for an entire season is simply not an attainable option in the fight against the invasive sea lamprey.

This story originally appeared on Inside Climate News.

Source
arstechnica.com