Migrating Pacific lamprey
Pacific lamprey attach to the viewing window at Bonneville Dam as they migrate up the Columbia River to breeding grounds, Aug. 8, 2022. USFWS video: Brent Lawrence

 

Don’t mind the teeth, we’re just migrating.

 

Using its jawless mouth as a big suction cup, Pacific lamprey can migrate from oceans to freshwater breeding grounds.

 

While they can’t jump over obstacles like fish, if there is a smooth surface to attach to, Pacific lamprey can even climb up waterfalls.

 

The ancient, eel-like anadromous fish plays an important role in West Coast rivers and streams as ecosystem engineers and food web champions. Several Tribes have historically considered Pacific lamprey a first fish whose return signals the beginning of spring and summer harvests.

 

By the end of summer in 2022, nearly 49,000 Pacific lamprey have migrated past Bonneville Dam. At the peak of the migration season in July, several hundred to a few thousand lamprey were counted daily at the dam about 45 minutes east of Portland, Oregon.

 

More about Pacific lamprey: www.fws.gov/species/pacific-lamprey-entosphenus-tridentatus