Columbia River tribes have long recognized the importance and drastic decline of the Pacific lamprey. Years ago, they began raising alarms, initiating action, and collecting data. This groundwork led to the development of the first Pacific Lamprey Restoration Plan in 2011.
After years of dedicated work, a new, more in-depth plan has arrived. This updated Tribal Pacific Lamprey Restoration Plan (TPLRP) offers a scientific roadmap and showcases Indigenous leadership in conservation. The plan provides a blueprint for restoring both cultural and ecological connections. It includes a technical document for scientists and a policy brief for decision-makers.
For Indigenous communities, lamprey represent more than just a fish. They hold deep cultural significance and have been associated with First Foods. Early restoration work saw significant success. Programs were established to collect adult lamprey from mainstem dams and then release them into tributaries, like the Umatilla River, which has yielded remarkable results.
New acoustic tagging technology has also been used to shed light on the mysteries of juvenile lamprey migration. Researchers now have a better understanding of survival rates and ocean timing. This updated plan reflects these innovative conservation tools, expands its scope, and addresses contamination issues affecting the cultural goal of safe harvest.
Despite progress, significant challenges persist. Securing reliable, long-term funding is crucial for comprehensive Pacific lamprey restoration. Tribes are advocating for greater federal accountability. Major infrastructure improvements at Columbia River mainstem dams represent the single biggest challenge because they limit adult lamprey passage. Tribes continue to argue for equal priority in salmon and lamprey recovery efforts, citing Tribal treaty obligations.
Nevertheless, restoration efforts have shown remarkable success. The Umatilla River program achieved the return of ceremonial harvest, marking a significant milestone in recovery efforts. Tribal programs have translocated over 70,000 adult lamprey over the past 25 years. This collaborative work showcases a model of inter-tribal cooperation. Indeed, the overall vision seeks widely distributed, healthy, and harvestable lamprey populations for all time.
Learn more about Pacific lamprey restoration work in the full report.
