DEC to Continue Seneca Lake Sea Lamprey Control

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the continued scheduled lampricide treatment for parasitic sea lamprey at Catharine Creek Canal, Schuyler County, from Montour Falls Marina to the mouth at Seneca Lake on Oct. 16, and on a 10-acre area within the Dresden Delta at the mouth of Keuka Outlet, Yates County on Oct. 17. Lampricide application is weather dependent. Lampricide applications will target areas not treated earlier this year.

Sea lamprey living in Seneca Lake are parasitic predators of popular fish such as Atlantic salmon, lake trout, rainbow trout, and other fish species. By effectively controlling sea lampreys, DEC can reduce mortality rates for fish targeted by sea lamprey.

Through the sea lamprey control program, DEC will apply a lampricide called Bayluscide (niclosamide) to canal waters using a boat-mounted sprayer. Bayluscide is a selective pesticide that kills the immature, larval stage of the sea lamprey. It has been used extensively for sea lamprey control in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain and was last used in Catharine Creek Canal in 2021. The dosage of Bayluscide lethal to larval sea lampreys can be processed without harm by most other aquatic organisms. Some minor fish and aquatic invertebrate mortality are expected.

These treatments do not pose any significant hazard to human health. However, as a precautionary measure, the State Department of Health advises against consumption of lake water, fishing, swimming, livestock watering, or irrigation in the treatment zone during and immediately following applications. Signs will be posted along the treated areas. In addition, for four days, treated water should not be used for drinking or cooking. For two days, treated water should not be used for bathing and showering, washing dishes or clothes, swimming, or fishing. Fish within the Bayluscide-treated area may contain low-level concentrations of this compound for 14 days following treatment.

To advise the community about the application of this lampricide, DEC conducted extensive outreach to contact landowners and renters who may be affected by the treatments. Drinking water and water for other household uses will be supplied to affected people in the advisory areas upon request. Contact DEC at 585-226-5344 during normal business hours to request water.