Control on this system is expected to reduce lamprey populations in Lake Huron and northern Lake Michigan by 85 percent. Sea lamprey control began when the United States and Canada signed the 1955 Convention on Great Lakes Fisheries, which created the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. Since then, the Commission and its agents have carried out a highly successful sea lamprey control program that has reduced overall lamprey populations by 90 percent. Research has led to better formulations of lampricides and innovative techniques involving trapping and sterile male release programs. With control, agencies take measures to establish naturally-reproducing fish populations.
Fewer lamprey means more quality fish and fishing for years to come.