​​Wisconsin Maritime Museum Welcomes New Sea Lamprey Exhibit

Visitors to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc can now explore the history, impact and management efforts of sea lamprey in the Great Lakes through a brand new “Attack of the Sea Lampreys” exhibit.

Made possible through a collaboration between the Wisconsin Sea Grant and Great Lakes Fishing Commission, the exhibit tells how sea lamprey were first introduced to the Great Lakes through shipping channels, their devastating impact on fish populations, and ongoing efforts to manage the invasive species.

Housed in a redesigned space that was previously an invasive species lab, the exhibit features interactive components great for kids and families, and houses a large tank containing over a dozen live sea lamprey visitors can view up close.

A parasitic fish that latches onto other fish to suck out both fluid and blood, sea lampreys have had a devastating impact on the Great Lakes fishery and ecosystem. Through management efforts the population has been reduced by 90 percent, but continuous management is required to keep numbers from growing — a reminder of how humans continue to shape the Great Lakes ecosystem.

“I hope [visitors] have a sense of responsibility when they leave that how they behave in the Great Lakes basin affects others,” says Chief Curator Kevin Cullen.

To learn more, visit wisconsinmaritime.org and seagrant.wisc.edu.