Sea Lamprey and Round Goby

lschultz • December 10, 2019

Sea lamprey are cartilaginous, jawless fish that are generally marine and ascend freshwater rivers to spawn. “Sea lampreys are unique from many other fishes in that they do not have jaws or other bony structures, and instead possess a skeleton made of cartilage. While sea lampreys resemble eels, they are not related and are set apart by their unique mouth: a large oral sucking disk filled with sharp, horn-shapedteeth surrounding a razor-sharp rasping tongue.”(Great Lakes Fisheries Commission) They attach to their prey as a parasite and feed on the bodily fluids of there prey often killing them in the process. This species has remained unchanged for centuries and had survived through four major extinction events.

Sea lamprey originates from the Atlantic coast from Labrador to Gulf of Mexico, Florida and the Atlantic coast of Europe and the Mediterranean Sea but have made their way into all five of the Great Lakes as well as some tributaries in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

Another invasive species that are in the Great Lakes is Round Goby. This species has a negative effect economically and ecologically but on top of that is poses a special threat to anglers because “once established, populations typically increase quickly. The Round Goby can displace native fish, eat their eggs and young, take over optimal habitat, spawn multiple times a season, and survive in poor quality water — giving them a competitive advantage.”(MSG)

Round Goby can also transfer contaminants to sport fish which could increase health concerns regarding the consumption of fish. This concern exists due to their tendency to eat large quantities of zebra mussels, which as filter feeders consume toxins. Although laboratory studies in North America have shown that a single goby can consume up to 78 zebra mussels a day, it is unlikely that gobies alone will have a detectable impact on zebra mussel populations. Another unique characteristic of this species is it has a single pelvic fin.

Like most invasive species both of these species lack natural predators and have a high reproduction rate making it very easy for these species to move into aquatic habitats.

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MUCC Marks 250th Habitat Project with Clinton River Clean-Up—Volunteers Needed!

By Olivia Triltsch • April 15, 2025

MUCC Marks 250th Habitat Project with Clinton River Clean-Up—Volunteers Needed! Rochester Hills, MI — April 15, 2025 — Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) is proud to announce its 250th On the Ground (OTG) habitat improvement project: a community clean-up of the Clinton River at Yates Park in Rochester Hills. The event will take place on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM . In partnership with Metro-West Steelheaders and the Clinton River Watershed Council, this initiative aims to enhance fish and wildlife habitats by removing trash from the river and surrounding riparian zones. The project not only benefits local ecosystems but also fosters a cleaner, healthier community and environment. Event Details: Location: Yates Park, 1990 E Avon Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307 Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM What to Bring: Work gloves (if available), appropriate outdoor attire, and a reusable water bottle. MUCC will provide waders, trash grabbers, trash bags, lunch, and a volunteer appreciation gift. This milestone event underscores MUCC's commitment to conservation and community engagement. "Reaching our 250th project is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers and partners," said Olivia Triltsch, MUCC's Habitat Program and Partnerships Coordinator. "We invite everyone to join us in making a tangible impact on our natural resources." Registration: Interested volunteers should register by Friday, April 18, at 2:00 PM. To expedite check-in, please complete the digital volunteer waiver individually for each participant. Individuals under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign the waiver. For late registrations or cancellations, contact Olivia Triltsch at otriltsch@mucc.org. MUCC is always excited to work alongside the Clinton River Watershed Council. Their continued efforts to protect, enhance, and promote the Clinton River and its watershed are deeply valued. Together, we make a greater impact on ensuring clean, healthy waterways and thriving wildlife habitats for generations to come.