The mayor of Thunder Bay, Ont., describes them as frightening, unpleasant creatures.

Gale Bravener, who works for Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), says they remind him of an eel or snake, with sleek, slimy bodies and suction-cup mouths full of teeth.

Tammy Cook, chief administrative officer of the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority (LRCA), said "they're not very attractive" and look as if they belong in a sci-fi film.

While sea lampreys can't speak for themselves, those at Thursday's gathering in the northwestern Ontario city agree: they're called a parasite for a reason.

The invasive species originates from the Atlantic Ocean and has been wreaking havoc in the Great Lakes for decades.

They use their mouths to latch onto other fish and suck out their blood and bodily fluids, bor

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