James G. Seelye

Papers

Total Citations

113

H-Index

About

James G. Seelye is a leading figure in the management and biology of invasive aquatic species, with a primary focus on the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in the Great Lakes. His most impactful work centers on the application of the sterile-male-release technique (SMRT) as a biological control method, a strategy that has become a cornerstone of integrated pest management for this destructive parasite. His seminal 2003 paper, "The Sterile-Male-Release Technique in Great Lakes Sea Lamprey Management," has garnered over 113 citations, underscoring its foundational role in the field. Seelye’s research has not only advanced the theoretical understanding of lamprey population dynamics but has also provided practical, field-tested protocols for reducing lamprey reproduction without chemical pesticides. His contributions have been instrumental in the ongoing success of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission’s control program, helping to protect a multi-billion-dollar fishery. Through meticulous field studies and innovative application of genetic and behavioral principles, Seelye has demonstrated how classical pest control methods can be adapted for unique aquatic vertebrates, leaving a lasting legacy in conservation biology and fisheries management.