Pacific lamprey

The jawless, eel-like fish known as Pacific lamprey get little love from the uninitiated; with their toothy-maw used to suck blood from fish, they have perhaps the most unflattering smile in the animal kingdom. But to many people, these ancient critters are important as both an indicator species and a food source for tribal people. And there are ongoing efforts to restore their numbers across Oregon waterways and beyond.

Construction is wrapping up on a special fish ladder at Eel Creek north of Coos Bay. As KLCC’s Brian Bull explains, it’s to help the regional lamprey…

Lamprey populations across the Pacific Northwest have fallen in the past half century. An Oregon State University estimate says they are at 5 to 10…

Pacific lamprey numbers are quickly declining throughout Northwestern waters. Tribal elders remember times when the Columbia River was black with the…