Tribal Voices Matter: Voice of the Lamprey

Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of lampreys as we welcome Tod M. Sween, the Project Lead of the Pacific Lamprey Translocation Initiative Program at the Nez Perce Tribe Department of Fisheries Resources Management. With a background in marine biology and over two decades of experience leading various projects, Tod's journey took an unexpected turn in 2006 when he embarked on a mission to save the nearly extirpated Pacific Lamprey, known as Heesu "eel" in the Native American culture. What started with the rescue of just 178 adult lampreys from the Columbia River has evolved into a thriving conservation effort. Now, in collaboration with Ray Ellenwood and partners like the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the project aims to translocate adult lampreys to prevent regional extirpation and restore healthy, harvestable populations. Join us as Tod shares insights into their inspiring journey, the challenges faced, and the crucial work being done to ensure the survival of this remarkable species across the Snake River basin and beyond.