Wildlife

Wild River Lamprey Migration Welfare

River lamprey face barriers to spawning migration that represent both conservation and welfare challenges, and fish pass installation improves population and individual welfare.

Key Facts

River lampreys migrate upstream to spawn in gravel beds in fast-flowing shallow rivers
Weirs and poorly designed culverts block upstream migration of lampreys that cannot jump
Lamprey-specific passes differ from those for salmonids and must be designed for their abilities
Spawning lampreys die after breeding, making successful migration critical to reproductive success
River lamprey populations have declined significantly with loss of suitable spawning gravel habitat

Welfare Considerations

River lamprey migration welfare requires infrastructure solutions that enable successful spawning migration. Failing to migrate before death is a complete welfare and reproductive failure.

What You Can Do

Support river trust work on lamprey pass installation at migration barriers
Report lamprey spawning activity in rivers to your local environment agency
Advocate for lamprey-specific considerations in all river management planning