As a result, the New York State DEC and neighboring services in Vermont have introduced an integrated control program to restrict, but not eliminate, populations of this sea lamprey. Regardless, the species has a severe impact on the fish and ecosystem of Lake Champlain, and a social and economic impact on the people who live there. They were first reported in the lake in 1929, but recent genetic studies have found evidence that the sea lamprey may have existed in the lake for over 10,000 years. It is unclear whether the species is native to Lake Champlain. Once it attaches itself to its victims, it punctures their skin and drains their body fluids. The species is parasitic and feeds on other fish using its suction disk mouth and sharp teeth. The creature was a sea lamprey, one of four such species found in the Lake Champlain Basin, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). 'I knew what it was as soon as I picked it up out of my net,' he said. The strange animal looked like a cross been an eel and a leach as it wriggled in Osinskie's hands. Osinskie told Newsweek that this was one of the weirdest things he had ever found while fishing. Magazine: access to the weekly edition of Newsweek magazine, including an archive with issues from recent yearsħ.Photos of fisherman Eric Osinskie holding the sea lamprey he caught in the Hudson Valley, New York. Videos: a special selection of videos related to the most important stories of the dayĦ. The Bulletin: an in depth briefing with everything you need to know to start the dayĥ. Podcasts: from debates to political analysis, including shows about business, culture, entertainment and the royal familyĤ. In-depth Analysis: articles and deeper analysis of what’s trending in Politics, Business, Tech, World, Sports and moreģ.

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