River lamprey (Lampetra ayresii)

Photo not available for this species
Category: Fish
State status: Candidate
Vulnerability to climate change (More details)

Moderate-
High

Climate vulnerability

Sensitivity to climate change

Moderate-
High

Little is known about river lamprey vulnerability to climate change (particularly in Washington), but they likely have vulnerability similar to that of Pacific lamprey because they exhibit similar freshwater and marine life history stages (spawning, rearing, and migration), although they typically occupy larger rivers at lower elevations. Rearing individuals may be vulnerable to shifts in flow regimes (e.g., desiccation or stranding due to low flows, enhanced scouring from high flows) and water quality (e.g., temperature increases), and adult river lamprey may also be vulnerable to temperature and migration barriers resulting from reduced streamflows. Changes in the marine and estuarine environment that affect river lamprey hosts (e.g., herring, smelt) will likely affect the marine survival of this species.

Confidence: Low

Exposure to climate change

Moderate

  • Increased water temperatures (fresh and ocean)
  • Lower summer/fall flows
  • Increased winter flood events
Confidence: Moderate

Conservation
This species is identified as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) under the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). SGCN-classified species include both those with and without legal protection status under the Federal or State Endangered Species programs, as well as game species with low populations. The WDFW SWAP is part of a nationwide effort by all 50 states and five U.S. territories to develop conservation action plans for fish, wildlife and their natural habitats—identifying opportunities for species' recovery before they are imperiled and more limited.
This species is identified as a Priority Species under WDFW's Priority Habitat and Species Program. Priority species require protective measures for their survival due to their population status, sensitivity to habitat alteration, and/or recreational, commercial, or tribal importance. The PHS program is the agency's main means of sharing fish and wildlife information with local governments, landowners, and others who use it to protect priority habitats for land use planning.