Public asked not to disturb sea lamprey spawning in Connecticut River

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is asking anglers and the public not to disturb sea lamprey in the Connecticut River as the fish enter spawning season.

Sea lamprey are eel-like fish with circular mouths used to attach to rocks and other fish. They are native to the Connecticut River basin and return each spring to spawn, according to a department news release. The fish live in the ocean as juveniles and adults before returning to freshwater to reproduce.

Lamprey have been observed as far north as the Wilder Dam and can also be found in tributaries including the White and Black rivers. They die shortly after spawning, providing important nutrients to the river. Dead lamprey should also be left undisturbed.

The species is listed as a “Species of Greatest Conservation Need” in both Vermont and New Hampshire.

Photo: Tichnor Brothers, Publisher (Wikimedia Commons, Public domain). Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.