Project
Granular Bayluscide (gB) Workshop
Bayluscide 3.2% Granular Sea Lamprey Larvicide (gB) is an important tool in the Great Lakes Sea Lamprey Control Program, especially in large rivers, low flow habitats, and lentic areas where TFM is less effective. Although managers often assume gB treatments result in 75% larval mortality, field observations suggest this estimate may be too high. This uncertainty underscores the need to validate gB effectiveness and better understand how environmental factors (such as pH, dissolved organic carbon, sediment interactions, temperature, and hydrology) and biological traits (including larval physiology and burrowing behavior) influence treatment outcomes.\r\nTo address these questions, a gB workshop was held in Marquette, Michigan, on December 11–12, 2024. Thirty eight participants attended, including U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Fisheries and Oceans Canada sea lamprey control staff; researchers from the USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center and Hammond Bay Biological Station; and academic partners from Wilfrid Laurier University and Michigan State University. The workshop included presentations on gB application practices, chemistry, toxicology, non target impacts, and treatment performance. Breakout groups then focused on identifying research priorities and strengthening collaboration among control agents, partner agencies, and external researchers.\r\nParticipants emphasized the value of leveraging existing expertise to advance foundational research on gB chemistry, toxicity, and environmental interactions. Improved understanding of these factors will help refine mortality estimates and support more informed decisions about where and how gB should be applied in future sea lamprey control efforts.\r\n