Sea lamprey numbers in the Great Lakes are dropping due to resumed control efforts, helping protect fish and fishing economies.

Invasive sea lamprey populations in the Great Lakes have declined as control efforts resumed after pandemic disruptions, with numbers returning to pre-pandemic levels and showing a downward trend across most lakes except Lake Superior. The Great Lakes Fishery Commission, working with U.S. and Canadian agencies, uses lampricide and barriers to target juvenile lamprey, helping protect native fish and the regional fishing economy. Officials stress continued management is essential to prevent ecological and economic damage.