55 h. ago
Parasitic vampire fish could spread out of control in Ontario
The Great Lakes fishery is facing a significant crisis that could have far-reaching consequences for both the environment and economy of Michigan and Ontario, due to the potential of an invasive species to spiral out of control. The recent wave of government layoffs and budget cuts under the Trump administration has led to a severe blow to conservation programs aimed at controlling sea lampreys, a parasitic fish that is native to the Atlantic Ocean. The cuts come amid a larger federal government downsizing effort, which has led thousands of workers across several agencies to lose their jobs. Experts warn that without proper mitigation efforts, the sea lamprey population could explode, which could devastate the region's $7 billion fishing industry. Sea lampreys, which resemble eels but are not related, are parasitic creatures that attach to fish with their oral sucking disks filled with sharp, horn-shaped teeth and a razor-sharp rasping tongue.Once ...
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