Selected for FY24 funding under PLCI umbrella project:
This study aims to assess predation by invasive fish species on Pacific Lamprey (PL) within the mainstem Columbia River (CR), specifically focusing on larval/juvenile life stages. The project addresses the need to understand how Federal Columbia River Power System dam operations impact lamprey behavior and survival via genetic metabarcoding of predator stomachs/guts. With declining adult PL numbers in the region, the study's primary goal is to inform management decisions related to dam operations and mitigate predation threats.
Objectives:
1. Identify key invasive fish species preying on juvenile/larval lamprey in the CR, shedding light on which species pose the greatest threat. 2. Determine key locations in the CR where predation occurs most frequently, helping managers target conservation efforts effectively. 3. Pinpoint the temporal timing when predation is most prevalent and intense, facilitating development of strategic dam operations. 4. Collaborate with ongoing studies that employ lethal predator monitoring or readily collect predator species data to minimize costs.
Benefits:
Predation was ranked as the highest threat for the CR in the 2018 Assessment (USFWS 2018). By identifying invasive predators and predation hotspots, it equips managers with critical information to make informed decisions regarding dam operations and conservation measures. Additionally, the use of novel molecular techniques, such as metabarcoding and qPCR, enhances our ability to detect predation of lampreys (and other species). This knowledge will enable more effective and efficient implementation of dam operations, restoration efforts and mitigation actions, ultimately contributing to the preservation and recovery of PL populations in the CR.