Tag Archives: Lamprey

Saving the Pacific lamprey

Documenting populations of the ancient fish is a step toward ensuring their survival. Lamprey have an ancient lineage — scientists believe they first emerged 400 million years ago. Though once abundant throughout the Northwest, their descendants are now under threat. In some regions, lamprey numbers have fallen by over 90%. “They’re one of the world’s […]
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Scientists find two previously unknown species of lamprey in California

It’s not like lampreys showed up yesterday. They’ve been around in the water of our region for something like 450 million years. But the eel-like fish have not gotten the attention of the more glamorous fish, like, say, chinook salmon. California scientists recently put some work into researching lampreys, and found two distinct species–in California–that […]
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Southern Oregon dam operators now face water pollution fines on top of millions for fish kills

The operators of Winchester Dam in Oregon face more than $134,000 in fines for water violations on top of $27.6 million for killing lamprey. The operators of a southern Oregon dam and the company that repaired it face additional fines for violating state permits and polluting the North Umpqua River near Roseburg. The Oregon Department […]
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Oregon fines Winchester Dam owners $134,000 for water quality violations

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued fines totaling over $134,000 against the operators of Winchester Dam on the North Umpqua River outside Roseburg on Thursday for water quality violations. Source: Oregon fines Winchester Dam owners $134,000 for water quality violations

State seeks $27.6 million from southern Oregon dam operators over massive fish kill

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking near record damages from the operators of a southern Oregon dam and its contractors over repairs that led to the deaths of more than half a million juvenile Pacific lamprey. On Friday, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife filed a complaint against the Winchester Water […]
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Oregon seeks $27.6 million for Winchester Dam work linked to mass death of Pacific lamprey

Oregon is suing for more than $27 million in damages from the owners of a private dam near Roseburg after repairs led to a massive fish kill. More than half a million Pacific lamprey died during repairs at the Winchester Dam on the North Umpqua River. The lawsuit, filed in Douglas County Circuit Court by […]
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State seeks $27.6 million for fish kill during repair of private dam on the North Umpqua River

The state of Oregon has filed a $27.6 million lawsuit against the owners of the private Winchester Dam on the North Umpqua River near Roseburg, where an estimated 550,000 juvenile lamprey were killed during a dam repair project in August, according to the filing. “The number of lamprey killed as a result of an inadequate […]
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While this year’s lamprey numbers look good, Northwest tribes say more needs to be done

Fish counters have noted thousands of lamprey going past Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River. Tribal biologists say these toothy, eel-like fish have a long way to go before they’re in the clear. With their fatty, oily meat, lamprey have served as a culturally important first food for tribes since time immemorial. However, their numbers […]
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Columbia river Pacific lamprey on the rise, Army Corps biologists optimistic

The Pacific Northwest’s most ancient resident is making a comeback. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pacific Lamprey have seen a resurgence with returns 170% higher than the 10-year average and 252% higher than the four-year average. Source: Columbia river Pacific lamprey on the rise, Army Corps biologists optimistic

Conservation groups call for an end to aging Umpqua River dam after emergency fish salvage

For two days in early August, a dozen staff from the natural resources department of the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians walked along the banks of the north Umpqua River, grabbing small, eel-like fish that were squirming in the mud. They were trying to save the young Pacific lamprey left exposed by […]
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