The jawless, blood-sucking sea lamprey found its way into the Great Lakes in the early 20th century through man-made canals, and has been disturbing the peace ever since. The lampreys kill highly prized native fish like lake trout and whitefish.

Researchers have tried lamprey-specific poisons to control their numbers, but more out-of-the-box ideas include using artificial lamprey pheromones to lure them to their doom, and designing a birth control drug that would only affect female lampreys. There is an easier way to deal with the Great Lakes infestation, however: If we could just convince Midwesterners to view lampreys as a delicacy, as they do in many parts of Europe, the problem might be solved.

Status: Fighting the Good Fight