The Great Lakes sea lamprey control program has received federal approval to rehire approximately three dozen U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees, enabling the critical initiative to resume operations after a period of uncertainty caused by recent staffing reductions.
The program, coordinated by the binational Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC), was significantly disrupted last month when probationary employee layoffs and a federal hiring freeze—enacted under the Trump administration—put seasonal treatment operations at risk. These measures threatened to delay or cancel fieldwork essential to containing the invasive sea lamprey population, which preys on native fish species and jeopardizes the region’s $7 billion fishing industry.
Each year, the GLFC partners with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to deploy teams that trap sea lampreys and apply lampricide treatments in tributaries feeding into the Great Lakes. The seasonal program typically runs from April through October and plays a vital role in preserving ecological balance and sustaining the commercial and recreational fisheries of the region.
Greg McClinchey, Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs for the GLFC, confirmed that the commission has now been granted permission to rehire the necessary personnel—12 probationary and 25 seasonal workers.
“This is very encouraging news,” McClinchey said. “There’s positive momentum. While we’re about five or six weeks behind schedule, everyone is working diligently to get the program back on track.”
Despite the green light to rehire, McClinchey noted ongoing challenges. It remains uncertain how many of the affected employees will return, as some may have already secured other employment. Training new staff also requires time and resources, potentially leading to further operational delays.
The full impact of the disruption on sea lamprey populations remains to be seen.
“We’re still evaluating what the consequences might be,” McClinchey said. “Even if all staff returned immediately, the delay in starting field operations would still be a factor. However, our goal remains to begin as soon as possible and to replicate our traditional program model as closely as we can.”
The continuation of the sea lamprey control effort is essential to maintaining the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem and protecting the region’s valuable fisheries. Stakeholders across the U.S. and Canada will be watching closely as the program resumes.
References
Michigan Public. (2025, March 26). Sea lamprey control program receives OK to rehire federal workers after initial scare. Michigan Public Radio. Retrieved from https://www.michiganpublic.org/environment-climate-change/2025-03-26/sea-lamprey-control-program-receives-ok-to-rehire-federal-workers-after-initial-scare
TV6 News Team. (2025, March 26). Rep. Bergman asks for clarity on Fish and Wildlife staffing amid concerns for sea lamprey program. Upper Michigan’s Source. Retrieved from https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2025/03/26/rep-bergman-asks-clarity-fish-wildlife-staffing-amid-concerns-sea-lamprey-program/
DeLadurantaye, S. (2025, March 28). Great Lakes Fishery Commission working to ensure success of sea lamprey treatment program. Upper Michigan’s Source. Retrieved from https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2025/03/28/great-lakes-fishery-commission-working-ensure-success-sea-lamprey-treatment-program/