A life cycle approach to modeling sea lamprey population dynamics in the Lake Champlain basin to evaluate alternative control strategies

► Created a stage-based sea lamprey population model specific to Lake Champlain. ► The life history model was sensitive to egg deposition rate. ► The model was sensitive to abundance of parasitic sea lamprey from unknown sources. ► Modeled control strategies targeting egg, larval and spawning survivorship. ► Identified the sea lamprey larval stage as the critical control point for success. ► Cues to spawning tributary selection are critical. ► Guide for management agencies to optimize future sea lamprey management programs.