Great Lakes Sea Lamprey Control Program Crippled by Federal Layoffs
2025-03-01
Sweeping layoffs at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) have hit the program controlling invasive sea lampreys in the Great Lakes, threatening the region's $5 billion fishery. The cuts leave the program understaffed, jeopardizing efforts to control the parasitic fish that consume vast amounts of native species. While the Canadian portion of the binational control effort remains unaffected, the U.S. reductions threaten the entire Great Lakes ecosystem. Efforts are underway to restore funding and reinstate laid-off personnel, highlighting the critical role of this program in protecting the Great Lakes.