Endangered Oceans: Smalltooth Sawfish

Sawfish are large shark-like rays that are found in tropical and subtropical seas, rivers, and creeks, and can grow to 15 feet. It gets its name from its long, saw-like nose called a rostrum which is lined with modified scales that look like teeth, 22-29 on each side. It uses its “saw” packed with electro-sensitive organs and teeth to locate, stun, and kill prey. And although it’s been around for over 50 million years, it is now endangered. Two major threats exist for this species: bycatch in various fisheries, and loss of juvenile habitat. Its toothed rostrum can easily become entangled in fishing lines and nets. Young sawfish use shallow habitats that are lined with mangrove forests, as important nursery areas. Many such habitats have been displaced by concrete seawalls  or lost entirely due to development of the waterfront. The smalltooth sawfish was listed as endangered in 2003.  NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service has worked to develop and implement a recovery plan for the species.  The major steps for recovery include: reducing bycatch in fisheries, protecting important habitats, and educating the public. Guidelines were also developed for fishermen to safely handle and release any sawfish they might catch. Today, NOAA Fisheries continues to study this species. Through this research, they hope to help develop the next steps in conservation and management that will save this endangered species. You can help bring them back from the brink of extinction by protecting shoreline habitats and reporting sawfish sightings or encounters to the International Sawfish Encounter Database.