07/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/16/2024 18:49
In the spirit of the 2024 Endangered Species Athletics, we spotlight the Pacific lamprey - a champion in its own right and a native fish species with one of the most active cheering sections around.
Culturally significant to Tribes and serving a vital role in its ecosystem, the Pacific lamprey is critically important but often misunderstood. Its stamina, strength, and agility to swim long distances, latch on to other animals for sustenance, and climb waterfalls with its suction mouth make it a formidable contender in the aquatic arena.
The Pacific lamprey is not listed under the Endangered Species Act but is conserved through the Pacific Lamprey Conservation Initiative, a collaboration of a diverse array of partners including Tribes, and federal and state agencies. Conservation efforts are needed due to barriers to fish passage fish passageEnjoy this team of Pacific lampreys giving some encouraging lamPRAISE, cheering on endangered and threatened compatriots and celebrating conservation of all native species facing the challenges of today.
See athletes such as southern sea otter Michael Kelps and bull trout Diana Fryad and other species who are going head-to-head in the arena of conservation during the ESA Athletics!