Ep 3. Sea Lamprey Exterminator

In season 6 episode 3 of Dirty Jobs, host Mike Rowe takes on the unenviable task of becoming a sea lamprey exterminator. Sea lampreys are parasitic fish that attach themselves to other fish, draining their blood and often leading to the death of the host fish. They are an incredibly destructive species and have caused significant damage to the Great Lakes region in particular.

In order to become a sea lamprey exterminator, Mike must first learn about the life cycle of the sea lamprey and how they are typically targeted for extermination. He learns that one method is to use a chemical treatment that targets the larvae of the sea lamprey in their breeding grounds, but this method can be costly and not always effective. Another method is to physically remove the adult sea lampreys from the water using a vacuum-like device.

Mike sets out on Lake Michigan with a crew of experienced sea lamprey exterminators to get a firsthand look at how this process works. He dons a wetsuit and jumps into the icy waters to help collect adult sea lampreys using the vacuum device. The process is messy and difficult, with the lampreys thrashing around and attaching themselves to anything they can. Mike quickly discovers that being a sea lamprey exterminator is not a job for the faint of heart.

In addition to removing adult sea lampreys from the water, the team also applies a chemical treatment to the riverbeds where the sea lamprey larvae breed. This involves wading into the water and pouring the treatment directly onto the riverbed. It's a tedious and back-breaking process, but one that is vital to protecting the health of the fish in the area.

Throughout the episode, Mike talks to experts and scientists to learn more about the impact that sea lampreys have on the ecosystem and what is being done to combat their spread. He also talks to local fishermen who have seen firsthand the damage that sea lampreys can cause, including the decline of certain fish populations and economic harm to their livelihoods.

Despite the difficult and gruesome nature of the job, Mike comes away from his experience with a newfound respect for the sea lamprey exterminators and the work that they do. He also gains a deeper understanding of the delicate balance that exists within ecosystems and how important it is to protect them from destructive species like the sea lamprey.

Overall, season 6 episode 3 of Dirty Jobs provides a fascinating and enlightening look at the world of sea lamprey extermination and the people who are working tirelessly to protect our waterways and the fish populations that depend on them.