BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – They may be considered a pest in Lake Champlain, but wildlife experts say sea lamprey call the Connecticut River home.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife are reminding fishers and other people visiting the Connecticut River to avoid disturbing lamprey spawning.
While the population in Lake Champlain is controlled as a nuisance species, lampreys make up an important part of the Connecticut River ecosystem.
Every year, sea lampreys spawn in the river as far upstream as Wilder Dam, and in many of the tributaries including the West, Williams, Black, and White rivers.
After spawning, adult lampreys die, adding critical nutrients to the freshwater ecosystem.