Brook/River Lamprey (Lampetra planeri/Lampetra fluviatilis)

Primitive, jawless fish species’. Brook lamprey remain the most abundant and widespread lamprey species in the UK found in freshwater systems including streams and lakes. As they are non-migratory, they can often be found in the absence of other lamprey species where migratory barriers for other species exist. River lamprey are found in coastal waters, estuaries and rivers around the UK and are an anadromous migratory species. Populations are facing declines due to poor water quality for spawning and, with respect to river lamprey, the increasing presence of weirs and dams without eel/lamprey passes.

• This eDNA assay amplifies eDNA from both Brook and River Lamprey. Due to the close genetic similarity between the two species, it is not possible via this eDNA assay to identify which of the two species are present within the sample. As such, it may be beneficial to accompany eDNA sampling with traditional survey methods for this species.