Discriminating natal origin of spawning adult sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in Lake Champlain using statolith elemental signatures

► Sea lamprey natal origin identification using statolith microchemistry was tested. ► Known-origin larvae, juveniles and adults from Lake Champlain basin were used. ► The accuracy of natal origin identification for larvae reached 70%. ► Natal origin identification for juveniles and adults was overwhelmingly incorrect. ► Variations of statolith chemistry over time might explain the observed discrepancy.