Scary “Jawless Fish” Are Lurking Below the Waters of the Columbia River
There's Ancient "Jawless" Fish Lurking At The Bottom Of The Columbia River
You never know what lurks below the Columbia River in Washington State and there is one slimy critter I wouldn't want rubbing up against my leg.
There is an ancient fish that lurks in the Columbia River and as scary as it seems, its re-emergence in the Columbia River is a good thing, so much so that wildlife conservationists are reintroducing the fish into the rivers for a good reason.
I'd still not want to touch these slimy eels but they are important to the Columbia River and here's why:
The Pacific Lamprey Eel has played a significant role in the Columbia River ecosystem. It serves as a food source for many species of fish, birds, and mammals.
Lamprey also contributes to nutrient cycling as they eat dead or dying salmon and transport nutrients upstream when they spawn.
This makes their presence important for maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
However, Pacific Lamprey Eel populations have declined by 90% in some areas, largely due to habitat loss, migration barriers, and dam construction.
Reintroducing Pacific Lamprey Eels back to the Columbia River is an important step towards maintaining their population, and the health of the ecosystem as well.
Many organizations, such as the Yakama Nation Fisheries and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, have collaborated to establish hatcheries and fish passage systems, to aid the return of the fish population.
These efforts are essential for restoring the fish population, and thus the Columbia River ecosystem.
I'm all for them lurking below the waters for a good cause as long as they don't slide up next to me, I'm good.