Conserving a fish that is not there: Pacific Lamprey in southern California

Authors: Stewart B. Reid, Damon H. Goodman

Year: 2014 (xlvi)

Abstract

The distribution of Pacific Lamprey, Entosphenus tridentatus, once extended into northern Baja California, but has contracted northward in recent years. The southernmost population is currently found in Big Sur. Nevertheless, recovery of the species involves promoting its conservation in historical drainages where it no longer exists, so that if/when Pacific Lamprey return they will find hospitable conditions. Ongoing conservation programs include outreach to managers and community members to build awareness of the lamprey habitat and passage needs, survey and assessment of potential habitat, development of realistic monitoring plans, incorporation of lamprey needs into habitat restoration projects, modification of passage barriers and assessment of potential reintroductions. Recent work includes monitoring of the San Luis Obispo Drainage, surveying of over 50 mi of potential habitat in the Santa Clara drainage, presence/absence surveys of southern California drainages, passage projects on the San Luis Obispo and Santa Clara Rivers, and development of stakeholder participation.