Aquatic Species at Risk - Vancouver Lamprey

Description
Habitat
Threats
How Can You Help?
Further Information
Scientific Information

Description
This cylinder-shaped fish is blue-black or dark brown, with lighter underparts. Its mouth (or funnel) is filled with sharp teeth. The Vancouver lamprey has small eyes located high on its head and has two dorsal fins, a small caudal fin, and a low anal fin. The Vancouver lamprey can be distinguished from other species of lamprey by its large disc-like mouth.

Habitat
In the ammocoete (larvae) phase, Vancouver Lamprey burrow within soft sediment or mud substrate. When they metamorphose into adults, they are free swimming. Given the habitat requirements of similar species, it is assumed that Vancouver lamprey require clean gravel for spawning and incubation.

Threats
Due to its limited range, the fish is particularly vulnerable to any changes in its habitat. The restricted distribution of this species makes it vulnerable to any deterioration of water quality, and to any reduction in the availability of the fish on which it feeds.

How Can You Help?

• Prevent pollution: Avoid polluting streams, lakes and rivers with garbage, fuel, pesticides or other contaminants. Remember that much of what you pour into your drains will ultimately make it to rivers and lakes.
  
  
• Keep beaches clean: Always put trash in trash cans, especially near rivers, lakes and beaches.
  
  
• Recyle and reuse: Help reduce waste by recycling or reusing plastic and paper goods.
  
  
• Participate in community consultations: Visit www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/saraconsultations
  
  
• Volunteer: This may include participating on committees, attending meetings, assisting at educational outreach events, distributing outreach materials, getting involved with a conservation organization, or just simply telling a neighbour or a friend about this species.

The Vancouver lamprey will get the protection it needs only if all Canadians work together to reduce threats. Find out more about the Vancouver lamprey and be aware of human-induced threats. Do your best to reduce these threats and better protect the habitat of this species at risk by getting involved with the Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk or another conservation organization

Further Information:
The Vancouver lamprey is known to occupy only two lakes lakes on Vancouver Island, British Columbia: Cowichan and Mesachie. Both lakes are low in plant nutrients with a large amount of dissolved oxygen throughout. Population size is unknown.

A recovery strategy has been developed from the Vancouver lamprey by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Province of BC. The next step is development of an action plan, outlining the projects or activities required to meet the goals and objectives of the recovery strategy.

Scientific Information:

Scientific Name: Lampetra macrostoma
Taxonomy: Fishes (freshwater)