EPP 104: Biology, Ecology and Conservation of Native Lampreys
Course Technical Director - Christina Wang, Benthos Consulting
The Biology and Conservation of Native Lampreys course will deepen students understanding of the ecological and cultural importance of native lamprey species and learn how incorporate lampreys into restoration projects and conservation efforts. For more information, please see the course introduction video by the Course Technical Director, Christina Wang
EPP 104 is a self-paced, asynchronous online course structured around three learning units: the Biology and ecology of lampreys, the culture importance of lampreys and conservation and management.
- Taught by world-leading experts, practitioners and tribal members
- Each learning unit includes three to six lectures followed by a short exam.
- Exams consist of five questions, all of which must be answered correctly to pass. Participants have three attempts to pass each exam. If additional attempts are needed, please contact the EPP program at epp@pdx.edu.
- Once an exam is passed, you may advance to the next unit.
- Participants must complete the course within six months of enrollment. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate and be listed on the Environmental Professional Program graduate page.
Course Curriculum
Unit 1: Lamprey Biology and Ecology
Unit 1, Lecture 1: Lamprey 101 (Christina Wang, Benthos Consulting) Free Preview
- Lamprey biology and anatomy
- West Coast lamprey diversity
- Life history strategies and life cycles
- Ecosystem services
- Threats
Unit 1, Lecture 2: The Evolutionary Importance of Lampreys (Margaret Docker, University of Manitoba)
- Conservation of morphology
- Recent evolution of life history traits that are not at species level
- Implications for conservation and management
Unit 1, Lecture 3: Lampreys of Oregon (Ben Clemens, ODFW)
- Survey/overview of lampreys in Oregon-
- Miller Lake Lamprey attempted eradication, resurgence and conservation efforts
Unit 2: The Cultural Importance of Lampreys
Unit 2, Introduction: Laurie Porter, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
- Importance of lampreys to indigenous people, reciprocity
- First food, ceremonial, medicinal
- Columbia and Coastal tribal perspectives
Unit 2, Interview 1: Bruce Jim, Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs
Unit 2, Interview 2: Yvonne Colfax, Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation
Unit 2, Interview 3: Wilbur Slockish, Jr., Klickitat Tribe
Unit 2, Interview 4: Christopher Williams, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
Unit 2, Interview 5: William Yallup, Jr., Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation
Unit 2, Interview 6: Erik Holt, Nez Perce Tribe
Unit 3: Lamprey Management and Conservation
Unit 3, Lecture 1: Passage and Screening Considerations for Lampreys (Ann Grote, USFWS)
- Passage issues and the primary threat for lamprey
- Recent modifications and fixes to improve lamprey passage
- Best management practices
Unit 3, Lecture 2: Integrating Lampreys into Habitat Restoration and In-Water Work (Monica Blanchard, WDFW)
- Why and how to consider lampreys in restoration
- Life history, life cycle and habitat requirements and considerations
- Best management practices
Unit 3, Lecture 3: Larval Lampreys and Dewatering: State of the Science, Best Management Guidance, Sampling and Salvage (Joe Skalicky and Julie Harris, USFWS)
- Basic Identification
- Sampling and salvage techniques-
- Dewatering considerations and effects
Unit 3, Lecture 4: Genetic Applications for Conservation and Management (Kellie Carim, USFS and Jon Hess, CRITFC)
- eDNA and eBLIMP project
- Genetics informing the tribal translocation program and the life cycle and life history strategies
Unit 3, Lecture 5: ASUM (Pacific Lamprey) Adult Translocation and Artificial Propagation (Ralph Lampman, Yakama Nation Fisheries)
- Restoration tools for lamprey
- Tribal translocation program
- Artificial propagation – state of the science and current applications
Unit 3, Lecture 6: Conservation Measures for Lamprey: The Pacific Lamprey Conservation Initiative (PLCI) (Grace Adams, PLCI and Jen Poirier, USFWS)
- The PLCI explained
- Ways to get involved in lamprey conservation