Lampreys and Lamprey Fisheries in Finland

Abstract

There are three lamprey species in Finland. European river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) is common along the coast of Finland and 28 rivers are known to support spawning populations while landlocked river lamprey populations exist in three watercourses. European brook lamprey (Lampetra planed) is common in freshwater all over the country, and sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) has been reported off the Finnish coast only 19 times since 1854. Food of the river lamprey and landlocked river lamprey includes valuable fish species such as herring, sprat, and vendace, but no effects on the fish stocks have been reported. River lamprey catch in Finnish coastal rivers make up about 2–2.5 million individuals (100 t) and lampreys are used only for human consumption. The fishing season begins in August and ends in February. Environmental changes in rivers (dams, pollution, etc.) have caused great damage to river lamprey populations. Successful attempts have been made to promote spawning by transporting lampreys over the dams. Landlocked river lamprey, brook lamprey, and sea lamprey are of no economic significance in Finland.Key words: sea lamprey, river lamprey, brook lamprey, distribution, Finland, life history, fisheries, management