User:Nmbaur/sandbox

Cultural use and food[edit]
Pacific lampreys are an important ceremonial food for Native American tribes in the Columbia River basin and the Yurok people of the Klamath River Wiyot people of the Eel River in northern California. Pacific lamprey numbers in the Columbia River have greatly declined with the construction of the Columbia River hydropower system. Almost no harvest opportunity for Native Americans remains in the Columbia River and its tributaries except for a small annual harvest at Willamette Falls on the Willamette River(tributary to the Columbia River). The Yurok and Wiyot snag lampreys in the surf at the mouth of the Klamath River, often at night, using hand-carved wooden "hooks". It is dangerous work. Because lampreys are fatty and have a very high caloric count, tribes like the Wyiot and Yurok have traditionally fed them to babies and young children. The high caloric count also make lampreys an important piece of the river ecosystem, as other animals also rely on them.

Ecological issues
Pacific lamprey numbers have greatly decreased due to human infrastructure throughout it's territory. Damming rivers, channelization, and declines in water quality have impacted lamprey habitat and their ability to live. Most lamprey concern and restoration has been confined to the exotic sea lampreys in the Great Lakes, but the pacific lamprey and the ecological issues it faces generally receive less attention.