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Field Performance Evaluation of a Bayluscide 20-Percent Suspension Concentrate Formulation

Open-File Report 2026-1067
Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sea Lamprey Control Program
By: , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20261067

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Abstract

Petromyzon marinus (sea lamprey) is a parasitic, invasive fish of the Laurentian Great Lakes. Since the late 1950s, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission has implemented an integrated Sea Lamprey Control Program (SLCP) that relies on two lampricidal chemicals: 3-(trifluoromethyl)-4-nitrophenol (TFM) and niclosamide. Niclosamide is applied using a bayluscide 20-percent emulsifiable concentrate; however, a solvent in this formulation, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, has been linked with worker safety concerns and has contributed to equipment degradation and clogging. To address these limitations, the U.S. Geological Survey, in collaboration with Battelle UK, developed a bayluscide 20-percent suspension concentrate (SC) as a potential alternative formulation.

In this study, we evaluated the field performance of SC on the Indian River in Schoolcraft County, Michigan. The objective was to assess the formulation’s compatibility with SLCP application procedures and equipment, and to determine its ability to deliver precise lampricide concentrations in a timely manner. SC was found to dilute easily with stream water and readily combined with TFM. As a result, target lampricide concentrations in the stream were achieved within 1 hour of initiating delivery. Moreover, concentrations remained within 9 percent of target values, with less than 2 percent variation across the width of the stream, demonstrating consistent and uniform distribution. These findings indicate that SC can support accurate and timely lampricide applications. When considered alongside previous research highlighting its favorable selectivity for sea lamprey and improved environmental safety, the results support the pursuit of registration and adoption of SC as a new tool for controlling invasive sea lamprey.

Suggested Citation

Carmosini, N., Schueller, J.R., Kirkeeng, C.A., Wood, A.M., Criger, L.A., and Luoma, J.A., 2026, Field performance evaluation of a bayluscide 20- percent suspension concentrate formulation: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2026–1067, 9 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20261067.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Results and Discussion
  • Summary
  • References Cited
  • Glossary
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Field performance evaluation of a bayluscide 20- percent suspension concentrate formulation
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2026-1067
DOI 10.3133/ofr20261067
Publication Date March 18, 2026
Year Published 2026
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
Description Report: vii, 9; Data Release
Country United States
State Michigan
County Schoolcraft County
Other Geospatial Indian River
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Additional publication details