Niagara Falls residents are invited to a screening of a documentary showcasing what goes into keeping the Great Lakes ecosystem safe from invasive species.
The Aquarium of Niagara, in partnership with the Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, will host two free showings on Thursday of “The Fish Thief: A Great Lakes Mystery.” The documentary, produced by Skyhound Media and narrated by J.K. Simmons, delves into how the invasive sea lamprey managed to wipe out huge populations of lake trout, whitefish, and fish species across the Great Lakes.
Both screenings will be at Great Lakes 360. Aquarium spokesperson Christine Stephens said Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper officials had been in talks with the Fishery Commission to get a screening in Buffalo, and it made sense for the aquarium to host because Great Lakes 360 does have lamprey on display.
“It’s part of the mission to connect people with local ecosystems and aquatic life,” Stephens said.
Premiering in December 2024, the documentary delves into how lampreys, since the start of the 20th century, have caused ecological disasters and damaged the economies and livelihoods of the American and Canadian communities along the Great Lakes. It also spotlights the work the Great Lakes Fishery Commission performs in combating the invasive species.
The first screening will be for 50 students from Niagara Falls High School’s Young Environmental Leaders Program and media production classes, followed by a Q&A with director Thomas Lindsey Haskin and the viewing of sea lampreys in a tank.
The public screening event, which starts at 5 p.m., requires registration through the aquarium’s website with a limited number of seats. The evening starts with a conservation partner mingle with representatives from six partner organizations and ends with a panel discussion with Haskin, Great Lakes Fishery Commission Advisor Jennifer Nailbone, and Sandy Smith of Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper.