Hundreds Gather to Celebrate One of Oregon’s Oldest, Most Fascinating Creatures

Last updated: June 27, 2026

The Pacific lamprey, a jawless fish that has survived for 450 million years, draws hundreds of people to Oregon rivers each year to honor its ecological importance and deep cultural significance to Indigenous tribes. This ancient creature, often mistaken for an eel, plays a vital role in nutrient cycling and serves as a traditional food source for Native communities across the Pacific Northwest.

What Is Oregon’s Oldest Creature Being Celebrated?

The Pacific lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus) is the ancient creature drawing celebration across Oregon. This jawless fish belongs to a lineage that emerged roughly 450 million years ago, making lampreys older than trees, sharks, and all bony fish combined.

Pacific lampreys inhabit rivers from California to Alaska, with significant populations in Oregon’s Columbia River system, Willamette River, and coastal watersheds. They spend their early years as filter-feeding larvae buried in river sediment before transforming into parasitic adults that migrate to the ocean.

Key identification features:

• Eel-like body reaching 20-30 inches in length
• Circular sucker mouth lined with concentric rows of sharp teeth
• Seven gill openings on each side (versus one in true eels)
• No paired fins, jaws, or scales
• Mottled brown-gray coloration
• Cartilaginous skeleton (no bones)

The lamprey’s survival through five mass extinctions speaks to remarkable adaptability. While dinosaurs vanished 65 million years ago, lampreys persisted through dramatic climate shifts and geological upheavals.

Pacific Lamprey Facts and History

Pacific lampreys follow a complex life cycle spanning 7-9 years. Females lay thousands of eggs in gravel nests during spring spawning runs, then both parents die shortly after reproduction. The eggs hatch into tiny larvae called ammocoetes that burrow into soft sediment and filter-feed on algae and detritus for 3-7 years.

When ammocoetes reach about 5 inches, they undergo metamorphosis, developing eyes, the characteristic sucker mouth, and silvery coloration. These juveniles migrate downstream to the Pacific Ocean, where they attach to fish hosts using their sucker mouths and rasp away tissue with their tooth-covered tongue, feeding on blood and body fluids.

Life cycle stages:

1. Egg (spring, gravel nests)
2. Ammocoete larva (3-7 years, buried in sediment)
3. Metamorphosis (develops adult features)
4. Juvenile migration (downstream to ocean)
5. Ocean phase (1-3 years, parasitic feeding)
6. Adult spawning migration (return to natal streams)
7. Reproduction and death

Historical accounts describe lamprey runs so thick that Indigenous people could walk across rivers on their backs. Lewis and Clark documented massive lamprey harvests at Willamette Falls in 1806, noting that tribes dried thousands for winter food storage.

By the mid-20th century, dam construction devastated lamprey populations. The Columbia River once supported an estimated 400,000 adult lamprey annually; by 2011, fewer than 30,000 returned.

Why Are Lampreys Important to Oregon Ecosystems?

Lampreys function as nutrient pumps that transport ocean-derived minerals and energy upstream into freshwater ecosystems. When adult lamprey die after spawning, their decomposing bodies release nitrogen, phosphorus, and marine-derived nutrients that fertilize rivers, benefiting everything from algae to trees.

Research shows that lamprey carcasses provide food for at least 50 species, including bears, eagles, otters, crayfish, and aquatic insects. The nutrient boost from decaying lamprey increases insect populations, which in turn support juvenile salmon and trout.

Ecosystem services provided by lamprey:

• Nutrient transport from ocean to freshwater (marine-derived nitrogen and phosphorus)
• Food source for predators and scavengers during spawning runs
• Larval filter-feeding improves water quality by consuming algae and organic matter
• Nest-building activities create spawning habitat used by salmon
• Serve as prey for marine mammals and seabirds in ocean phase

Ammocoete larvae also play an underappreciated role. Buried in sediment for years, they filter vast quantities of water, consuming algae and bacteria while aerating substrate through their burrowing activities. This bioturbation improves water quality and creates habitat complexity.

The lamprey’s parasitic phase, often viewed negatively, rarely kills host fish and may actually strengthen fish populations by removing weak or diseased individuals. Studies show that salmon populations evolved alongside lamprey parasitism for millions of years.

Lamprey vs Eel: What’s the Difference?

Pacific lamprey and American eels are frequently confused, but they belong to entirely different evolutionary lineages separated by 500 million years of evolution. Lamprey are jawless fish (class Agnatha), while eels are true bony fish (class Osteichthyes) more closely related to salmon than to lamprey.

Anatomical differences:

Feature	Pacific Lamprey	American Eel
Jaw	Absent (circular sucker mouth)	Present (hinged jaw with teeth)
Skeleton	Cartilage only	Bony skeleton
Gills	Seven openings per side	Single gill opening per side
Fins	Continuous dorsal/tail fin only	Pectoral fins plus continuous dorsal/anal/tail fin
Scales	Absent (smooth skin)	Present (tiny embedded scales)
Tongue	Tooth-covered rasping organ	Muscular, no teeth

Behaviorally, lamprey are anadromous (born in freshwater, migrate to ocean, return to spawn), while American eels are catadromous (born in ocean, migrate to freshwater, return to ocean to spawn). Eels inhabit Atlantic coast watersheds; lamprey dominate Pacific coast systems.

The confusion stems from superficial similarities: both have elongated bodies, lack pelvic fins, and migrate between fresh and salt water. But examining the mouth instantly reveals the difference—lamprey’s circular sucker lined with concentric tooth rows versus the eel’s conventional hinged jaw.

Where Can I See Lampreys in Oregon?

Willamette Falls in Oregon City offers the most accessible lamprey viewing in the state. During peak migration (April through June), hundreds of lamprey can be observed climbing the fish ladder and resting in viewing windows at the falls. The site features interpretive displays explaining lamprey biology and cultural significance.

The Columbia River system provides additional viewing opportunities, particularly at Bonneville Dam’s fish ladders. Tribal fishing platforms at Sherars Falls on the Deschutes River showcase traditional lamprey harvest methods, though access requires permission from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.

Top lamprey viewing locations:

• Willamette Falls (Oregon City) – April to June, public viewing windows
• Bonneville Dam fish ladders (Cascade Locks) – May to July
• Sherars Falls (Descherous River) – June to August, tribal lands
• South Santiam River (Sweet Home area) – May to June, spawning aggregations
• Umpqua River system – April to June, various access points

Coastal streams like the Umpqua, Siuslaw, and Alsea rivers support lamprey runs, but viewing requires local knowledge and respect for private property. Contact Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for current run timing and access information.

The annual lamprey festival, typically held in June, offers educational exhibits, live lamprey displays, and opportunities to learn from tribal elders and biologists. The event rotates between locations but frequently occurs near Willamette Falls or in partnership with Columbia River tribes.

Are Lampreys Endangered in Oregon?

Pacific lamprey are not federally listed as endangered or threatened, but populations have declined by an estimated 90-95% since the 1960s. The species is considered a “species of concern” by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and a “sensitive species” by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Dam construction represents the primary threat. The Columbia River’s eight mainstem dams create barriers that lamprey struggle to pass. Unlike salmon, which can jump, lamprey must climb vertical surfaces using their sucker mouths. Smooth concrete and fast water flows at fish ladders often prove insurmountable.

Major threats to lamprey populations:

• Hydroelectric dams blocking migration routes
• Habitat degradation (channelization, sedimentation, pollution)
• Water diversions reducing stream flows
• Climate change altering temperature and flow regimes
• Contaminants affecting larval survival
• Lack of legal protections compared to salmon

Habitat loss in spawning and rearing areas compounds the problem. Agricultural development, logging, and urbanization have degraded stream channels, eliminating the soft sediment that ammocoete larvae require. Water pollution from pesticides and heavy metals affects larval survival.

Unlike salmon, which receive extensive legal protections under the Endangered Species Act, lamprey lack similar safeguards. This disparity in conservation attention has allowed lamprey declines to continue largely unaddressed until recent decades.

Conservation efforts have intensified since 2000, with tribal leadership driving much of the work. The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission coordinates lamprey restoration across the basin, focusing on dam passage improvements and habitat restoration.

What Do Native Tribes Use Lampreys For?

Lamprey have served as a cornerstone food source for Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest for at least 10,000 years. Archaeological sites throughout the Columbia River basin contain lamprey remains, and oral traditions describe lamprey as a gift from the Creator, provided to sustain the people.

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Yakama Nation, Umatilla Tribes, and Nez Perce Tribe maintain treaty-protected rights to harvest lamprey at traditional fishing sites. Tribal members use long-handled dip nets to catch lamprey as they rest during upstream migration, a technique passed down through generations.

Traditional lamprey uses:

• Primary food source (fresh, dried, or smoked)
• Trade commodity with inland tribes
• Ceremonial food for first foods feasts
• Medicine (oil used for healing)
• Cultural identity and intergenerational knowledge transfer
• Spiritual connection to ancestral lands and waters

Fresh lamprey are typically roasted over open fires or boiled. For long-term storage, tribal members traditionally dried lamprey on wooden racks, creating a nutrient-dense food that could sustain families through winter. The high fat content (lamprey are roughly 20% fat by weight) made them especially valuable.

Lamprey oil, rendered from the fatty tissue, served medicinal purposes. Tribes applied the oil to wounds, used it to treat respiratory ailments, and valued it as a general health tonic. The oil also served as a preservative for other foods.

The decline in lamprey populations has devastated tribal food security and cultural practices. Many elders remember when families harvested hundreds of lamprey annually; today, some families catch fewer than a dozen. This loss represents not just nutritional deprivation but cultural erosion, as traditional knowledge and practices fade without the resource to sustain them.

Tribal restoration efforts focus on rebuilding lamprey populations to levels that can support subsistence harvest. The cultural significance of traditional fishing practices extends beyond food to encompass identity, sovereignty, and connection to place.

How Old Are Lamprey Species as a Group?

Lamprey belong to the most ancient lineage of living vertebrates, with fossil evidence dating back approximately 450 million years to the Ordovician period. This places lamprey origins roughly 200 million years before the first dinosaurs and 250 million years before the first mammals.

The oldest confirmed lamprey fossil, Priscomyzon riniensis, was discovered in South Africa in rocks dated to 360 million years ago. This specimen already displayed the characteristic sucker mouth and eel-like body, suggesting the basic lamprey body plan evolved even earlier.

Lamprey evolutionary timeline:

• 450 million years ago – Jawless fish dominate ancient seas
• 360 million years ago – Earliest confirmed lamprey fossil (Priscomyzon)
• 300 million years ago – Lamprey lineage diverges from hagfish
• 200 million years ago – Modern lamprey families begin to diversify
• Present – 40 lamprey species worldwide, largely unchanged for millions of years

Lamprey survived the “Big Five” mass extinctions that eliminated countless other lineages. The Permian-Triassic extinction 252 million years ago killed 96% of marine species; lamprey persisted. The Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction 66 million years ago ended the dinosaurs; lamprey continued.

This extraordinary survival reflects lamprey’s adaptability and simple but effective body plan. The cartilaginous skeleton requires less calcium than bone, the parasitic feeding strategy allows exploitation of diverse hosts, and the filter-feeding larval stage provides a fallback survival mechanism.

Genetic studies confirm lamprey’s ancient origins. Lamprey DNA contains clues to the evolution of the vertebrate immune system, neural crest cells, and other fundamental features shared by all backboned animals. Scientists study lamprey to understand how these systems first evolved.

Can You Eat Lamprey and Is It Safe?

Pacific lamprey are entirely safe to eat when properly prepared and have sustained Indigenous communities for millennia. The flesh is rich, oily, and nutritious, with a flavor often compared to eel or rich fish. Lamprey contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins A and D.

Traditional preparation methods include roasting over open flames, smoking, boiling, or drying. The high fat content means lamprey remain moist during cooking and develop a crispy skin when roasted. Some tribes traditionally ate lamprey raw, though modern food safety recommendations advise cooking.

Nutritional profile (per 100g cooked lamprey):

• Calories: 200-250
• Protein: 15-18g
• Fat: 15-20g (high in omega-3s)
• Vitamin A: significant amounts
• Vitamin D: significant amounts
• Iron and other minerals

The main safety consideration involves proper sourcing. Lamprey from polluted waters may accumulate contaminants like mercury or PCBs in their fatty tissues. Harvest from clean, cold-water streams ensures safety. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife provides consumption advisories for specific water bodies.

Lamprey harvested during upstream spawning migration are preferred, as they have not yet begun to deteriorate. Like salmon, lamprey stop feeding once they enter freshwater for spawning, living off stored body fat. This means they accumulate no additional contaminants during the final migration.

European cultures have consumed lamprey for centuries. Medieval royalty prized lamprey as a delicacy, and King Henry I of England reportedly died from eating “a surfeit of lampreys” in 1135. Portuguese and Spanish cuisines still feature lamprey dishes, particularly lamprey rice and lamprey stew.

In Oregon, lamprey consumption remains primarily within tribal communities due to cultural significance and limited availability. Non-tribal harvest is generally prohibited or heavily restricted to protect declining populations.

Why Do People Celebrate Lampreys?

The annual lamprey celebration in Oregon honors both the ecological importance of this ancient species and its profound cultural significance to Indigenous peoples. The event brings together tribal members, biologists, conservationists, and community members to raise awareness about lamprey conservation needs and celebrate traditional knowledge.

For tribal communities, the celebration represents cultural continuity and resistance against the forces that have diminished both lamprey populations and Indigenous sovereignty. Gathering to honor lamprey affirms the ongoing relationship between people and the natural world that has sustained communities for thousands of years.

Reasons for lamprey celebration:

• Recognize lamprey’s 450-million-year survival as a living fossil
• Honor Indigenous cultural traditions and treaty rights
• Educate the public about lamprey ecology and conservation
• Build support for habitat restoration and dam passage improvements
• Celebrate successful conservation partnerships between tribes and agencies
• Strengthen intergenerational knowledge transfer within tribal communities
• Challenge negative perceptions of lamprey as “ugly” or “useless”

The celebration also serves an educational function, correcting widespread misconceptions about lamprey. Many people view lamprey as parasitic pests or “trash fish” without understanding their ecological roles or cultural importance. Festival activities include live lamprey displays, traditional cooking demonstrations, scientific presentations, and storytelling by tribal elders.

Conservation messaging emphasizes that healthy lamprey populations indicate healthy river ecosystems. Because lamprey require clean water, intact habitat, and unobstructed migration routes, their presence serves as a barometer of overall ecosystem health. Protecting lamprey means protecting the rivers themselves.

The event has grown significantly since its inception, now drawing hundreds of participants annually. Media coverage extends the educational reach beyond attendees, raising regional awareness about lamprey conservation needs. This public engagement has translated into increased funding for restoration projects and policy changes to improve dam passage.

Lamprey Festival Oregon: When and Where

The primary lamprey celebration in Oregon typically occurs in June, coinciding with peak adult lamprey migration through the Willamette and Columbia river systems. The event location varies by year but frequently takes place near Willamette Falls in Oregon City or in partnership with Columbia River tribal communities.

The 2026 festival drew over 400 participants to a riverside venue where attendees could observe live lamprey, learn traditional harvest techniques from tribal members, and hear from biologists about conservation efforts. Activities included hands-on educational stations, cultural demonstrations, traditional foods (where harvest levels permit), and presentations on lamprey ecology.

Typical festival activities:

• Live lamprey viewing tanks with interpretive displays
• Traditional dip-net demonstrations by tribal fishers
• Scientific presentations on lamprey biology and conservation
• Cultural storytelling and oral history sharing
• Traditional foods preparation (when available)
• Children’s educational activities and crafts
• Guided walks to lamprey viewing areas
• Informational booths from tribes, agencies, and conservation groups

Exact dates and locations are announced several months in advance through tribal websites, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and conservation organizations like the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. The event is free and open to the public, though some activities may be restricted to tribal members.

Smaller lamprey-focused events occur throughout the year at various locations. The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs occasionally host lamprey education days at Sherars Falls, while coastal tribes may organize local celebrations tied to regional lamprey runs.

For those unable to attend the main festival, Willamette Falls offers year-round interpretive displays about lamprey, and the fish ladder viewing windows provide opportunities to observe lamprey during migration season (April through July).

Are Lampreys Dangerous to Humans?

Pacific lamprey pose no danger to humans. While their circular mouth filled with concentric rows of teeth appears intimidating, lamprey do not attack people and cannot inflict serious injury. The sucker mouth is adapted for attaching to fish, not for aggressive behavior toward large animals.

Lamprey lack the jaw strength to bite through human skin effectively. In the rare instances when lamprey have attached to swimmers or waders, they typically detach quickly when they realize the person is not a suitable host. The attachment may leave a circular mark but causes no lasting harm.

Lamprey interaction facts:

• Do not attack humans or view people as prey
• Cannot bite with sufficient force to cause injury
• Sucker mouth designed for smooth fish scales, not human skin
• Parasitic feeding targets fish blood and tissue, not mammals
• Documented human “attacks” are accidental encounters, not predation
• No recorded serious injuries from Pacific lamprey

The confusion about lamprey danger likely stems from their appearance and parasitic lifestyle. The tooth-lined mouth looks threatening, and the knowledge that lamprey feed on fish blood triggers visceral reactions. However, lamprey behavior is highly specialized for their ecological niche and does not include mammalian predation.

Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in the Great Lakes have caused massive damage to fish populations, killing lake trout and other species through parasitic feeding. This has contributed to negative perceptions of all lamprey species. However, Pacific lamprey in their native range play a balanced ecological role and do not cause similar devastation.

Handling lamprey requires care not because they are dangerous but because they are delicate and easily stressed. Their skin lacks scales and is covered in protective mucus that can be damaged by rough handling. Conservation guidelines recommend minimizing handling and keeping lamprey wet if they must be moved.

How Are Lampreys Different from Fish?

Lamprey are fish in the broad sense (aquatic vertebrates with gills), but they lack many features that define “true fish” (bony and cartilaginous fish). Lamprey belong to the class Agnatha (jawless fish), which diverged from other fish lineages over 500 million years ago, before jaws, paired fins, and bony skeletons evolved.

The absence of jaws represents the most fundamental difference. While true fish possess hinged jaws with teeth for biting and chewing, lamprey have a circular sucker mouth that functions like a plunger. Inside the sucker, a tooth-covered tongue rasps away tissue from host fish, allowing the lamprey to feed on blood and body fluids.

Key differences between lamprey and true fish:

• Skeleton: Lamprey have cartilage only (no bones); true fish have bony or cartilaginous skeletons
• Jaws: Lamprey lack jaws; true fish have hinged jaws
• Paired fins: Lamprey lack pectoral and pelvic fins; true fish have paired fins for steering
• Scales: Lamprey have smooth, scaleless skin; most true fish have protective scales
• Gills: Lamprey have seven gill openings per side; true fish have one gill opening per side
• Vertebrae: Lamprey have rudimentary vertebrae; true fish have fully developed vertebral columns
• Swim bladder: Lamprey lack swim bladders; most bony fish use swim bladders for buoyancy

Lamprey reproduction also differs from most fish. They build nests by moving stones with their sucker mouths, creating gravel depressions for eggs. Both parents die shortly after spawning, a semelparous reproductive strategy shared with salmon but unusual among fish generally.

The lamprey immune system operates differently from true fish. Lamprey lack antibodies and the adaptive immune system found in jawed vertebrates. Instead, they use variable lymphocyte receptors (VLRs), an alternative adaptive immune system that evolved independently. This discovery has revolutionized immunology research.

Lamprey also possess a unique developmental feature: their notochord (flexible rod supporting the body) persists throughout life, whereas in true fish it is largely replaced by the vertebral column during development. This makes lamprey valuable for studying the evolution of the vertebrate body plan.

Understanding these differences helps explain why lamprey have survived for 450 million years. Their simple but effective body plan requires fewer resources to build and maintain than the complex anatomy of true fish, providing an evolutionary advantage during periods of environmental stress.

Conclusion

The hundreds who gather each year to celebrate the Pacific lamprey recognize that this ancient survivor embodies both ecological resilience and cultural continuity. For 450 million years, lamprey have adapted to changing oceans and rivers, surviving mass extinctions that eliminated countless other species. For at least 10,000 years, Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest have depended on lamprey for sustenance, medicine, and cultural identity.

Today’s lamprey populations face unprecedented challenges from dams, habitat loss, and climate change. The 90-95% decline since the 1960s represents not just an ecological crisis but a cultural catastrophe for tribal communities whose treaty rights and traditional practices depend on healthy lamprey runs.

The annual celebration serves multiple purposes: honoring the lamprey’s remarkable survival, educating the public about conservation needs, strengthening tribal cultural practices, and building political support for restoration efforts. When hundreds gather to celebrate this “ugly” fish that most people have never heard of, they challenge narrow definitions of which species deserve protection and whose knowledge systems matter.

Take action to support lamprey conservation:

• Attend the annual lamprey festival to learn and show support
• Contact elected officials to advocate for improved fish passage at dams
• Support tribal-led conservation initiatives through donations or volunteer work
• Learn about and share the cultural significance of lamprey to Indigenous communities
• Visit Willamette Falls during migration season to observe lamprey firsthand
• Reduce water pollution and support riparian habitat restoration in your watershed

The lamprey’s story reminds us that survival requires adaptation, that ancient wisdom holds modern relevance, and that the health of rivers and the health of communities remain inseparably linked. By celebrating Oregon’s oldest, most fascinating creature, we celebrate the possibility of a future where both lamprey and people can thrive.

For more on Indigenous relationships with traditional resources, explore our coverage of Native American origin stories and tribal sovereignty struggles.

FAQ

How long have lamprey existed on Earth? Lamprey have existed for approximately 450 million years, making them one of the oldest living vertebrate lineages. Fossil evidence confirms lamprey ancestors were present in the Ordovician period, predating dinosaurs by roughly 200 million years.

Can lamprey kill the fish they attach to? Pacific lamprey rarely kill their host fish. Most fish survive lamprey attachment, though they may bear circular scars. The parasitic relationship evolved over millions of years, and lamprey typically feed without causing host mortality, unlike invasive sea lamprey in the Great Lakes.

Why are lamprey populations declining? Dams represent the primary threat, blocking migration routes and creating passage barriers lamprey cannot overcome. Habitat degradation, water pollution, flow alterations, and climate change compound the problem. Lamprey lack the legal protections afforded to salmon, allowing declines to continue largely unaddressed.

Do lamprey have bones? No, lamprey have no bones. Their skeleton consists entirely of cartilage, the same flexible material found in human noses and ears. This cartilaginous skeleton is lighter and requires less calcium than bone, providing an evolutionary advantage.

How do tribal members traditionally catch lamprey? Tribal fishers use long-handled dip nets to catch lamprey as they rest during upstream migration. Fishers stand on wooden platforms extending over rapids and waterfalls, dipping nets into the current to catch lamprey clinging to rocks. This technique has been passed down through countless generations.

What does lamprey taste like? Lamprey have a rich, oily flavor often compared to eel or fatty fish. The high fat content (roughly 20% by weight) gives lamprey a moist texture and distinctive taste. Traditional preparation methods include roasting, smoking, and drying.

Are lamprey related to eels? No, lamprey and eels are not closely related despite superficial similarities. Lamprey are jawless fish that diverged from other vertebrates over 500 million years ago, while eels are true bony fish more closely related to salmon than to lamprey.

How many lamprey species exist? Approximately 40 lamprey species exist worldwide, inhabiting temperate regions of both hemispheres. Pacific lamprey (Entosphenus tridentatus) are one of several species native to the Pacific coast of North America.

Can I legally harvest lamprey in Oregon? Non-tribal harvest of Pacific lamprey is generally prohibited or heavily restricted in Oregon to protect declining populations. Tribal members possess treaty-protected rights to harvest lamprey at traditional fishing sites. Check current Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations for specific rules.

How long do lamprey live? Pacific lamprey typically live 7-9 years total. They spend 3-7 years as filter-feeding larvae buried in stream sediment, then 1-3 years in the ocean as parasitic adults, before returning to freshwater to spawn and die.

What is being done to help lamprey populations recover? Conservation efforts focus on improving fish passage at dams, restoring spawning and rearing habitat, reducing water pollution, and protecting remaining populations. Tribal leadership drives much of this work, with support from federal and state agencies. Research continues on lamprey biology and passage needs.

Why don’t lamprey get more conservation attention than salmon? Lamprey lack the commercial fishing value and public charisma of salmon, resulting in fewer legal protections and less funding. Additionally, lamprey’s parasitic lifestyle and unusual appearance generate less public sympathy. Tribal advocacy has increased lamprey conservation attention in recent decades.