Research Document - 2015/061

Recovery Potential Assessment for the Vancouver Lamprey (Lampetra macrostoma Beamish)

By Harvey, B.

Abstract

Vancouver lamprey Lampetra macrostoma (Beamish) was designated Threatened by COSEWIC in 2000, primarily because it is an endemic species. The species was listed as Threatened under SARAin 2003. A draft Recovery Strategy has been prepared. The species has been reported only in Lake Cowichan and Mesachie Lake, in south-central Vancouver Island. The lamprey in Cowichan and Mesachie lakes are presently considered to be a single population. Current estimates of 1,000-2,000 adults are not based on systematic sampling, and results of recent sampling studies do not clarify whether the population may have declined in the last fifteen years.  Until mark-recapture studies have provided a solid estimate of lamprey abundance, lethal sampling of ammocoetes is allowable harm only in the case of scientific research. Reduction in bycatch mortality is best achieved through awareness. Lamprey depend on angled species for their prey, so those species must not be over-fished.

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