M.S. Assistanships in Sea Lamprey Behavior and Management

Location: Michigan State University, Department of Fisheries & Wildlife, East Lansing, MI
(http://www.fw.msu.edu <http://www.fw.msu.edu/> ).

Responsibilities: The incumbents will participate in a series of field experiments in the
summers of 2008-2009 to evaluate sea lamprey behavioral responses to two pheromone cues
(one migratory and one mating). The overall goal of this work is to determine our ability
to manipulate sea lamprey reproductive behavior, with an eye towards developing a new
management strategy based on trapping. However, each student will have the flexibility in
his/her second year to develop and test novel hypotheses related to pheromone-mediated
sea lamprey behaviors.

Project #1 (migratory pheromone) - The student will ascertain the robustness of migratory
sea lamprey behavioral responses to different mixtures and concentrations of three
synthesized migratory pheromone component through an integrated suite of field
experiments designed to reveal fundamental features of pheromone-mediated sea lamprey
migratory behavior most likely to inform an effective control program. The primary goals
of this effort are to: 1) ascertain the functional role of each migratory pheromone
component during lamprey migration, 2) identify the most effective recipes for use in
proposed control strategies based on redistribution of migrants and/or trapping, and 3)
develop formulas for applying migratory pheromone in management scenarios.

Project #2 (mating pheromone) - The student will test the robustness of female sea
lamprey behavioral responses to synthesized mating pheromone in two trapping-for-control
management scenarios: 1) applying 3kPZS through traps integrated into barriers currently
operated by the GLFC; and, 2) applying 3kPZS through free-standing traps dispersed among
spawning males on natural spawning grounds. It is our goal to perform a definitive field
test of a single compound, 3kPZS, in preparation for its registration with the U.S. EPA
under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and application to
the control of Great Lakes sea lamprey in 2010.

Compensation: stipend of $18,000/year (12 months), health benefits, and full tuition
waiver.

Qualifications: BA/BS in biological sciences. Prefer experience and/or strong interests
in animal behavior, fisheries ecology, fishery management, or related field. Minimum GRE
score of 1100 (verbal + quantitative) and GPA of 3.2.

Start Date: Positions are available beginning in January 2008.

Contact: Michael Wagner (mwagner@msu.edu). To apply, send cover letter, CV, contact
information for three references, and unofficial transcripts and GRE scores. The selected
applicants will apply to the Fisheries and Wildlife graduate program. Women and minority
candidates are encouraged to apply.

Michael Wagner
Assistant Professor
Department of Fisheries and Wildlife
13 Natural Resources Building
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1222
517-353-5485