The smalltooth sawfish, one of Earth’s rarest creatures, is facing a mysterious die-off threatening its existence. An endangered species inhabiting coastal waters of the southeastern United States and South America, the sawfish population has declined due to habitat loss, overfishing, and accidental capture in fishing gear. In response to the crisis, a team of researchers and wildlife experts in the Florida Keys has launched a time-sensitive rescue mission to save the sawfish and prevent further losses.
At least 38 endangered sawfish have perished since January in Florida, prompting a collaborative effort involving state agencies, research institutions, and concerned individuals. Over 400 reports have flooded the fish kill hotline, with more than 200 samples collected to assess the situation. The reports first emerged in fall 2023 with sightings of distressed fish in the Florida Keys, leading to the launch of an emergency response effort to rescue and rehabilitate smalltooth sawfish. The urgency of the situation has brought together various stakeholders to address the crisis and protect the endangered species.
On April 5th, the Smalltooth Sawfish Recovery Team successfully captured an 11-foot male sawfish off Cudjoe Key, marking a significant milestone in the rescue operation. The sawfish received immediate veterinary care and was transported to a rehabilitation facility at the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in Sarasota. Researchers and wildlife experts quickly examined the distressed sawfish to gather vital data that could help understand the cause of the die-off and distress observed in other marine species. Despite extensive testing, the exact trigger behind the sawfish die-off remains elusive, with pathogens, bacterial infections, water quality, and toxins ruled out as potential culprits.
While the Florida Legislature has allocated funds of up to $2 million to address the crisis, most of the money won’t be available until summer, prompting the need for additional funding for rescue efforts. Donations can be made to sawfishrecovery.org to support rescue and rehabilitation initiatives, while individuals can report sawfish sightings to aid in monitoring and protecting these endangered creatures. The fate of the smalltooth sawfish hangs in the balance, underscoring the importance of immediate action to save the species granted federal protection in 2003. The ongoing rescue mission highlights the dedicated efforts of researchers and wildlife experts to prevent further losses and secure the future of the smalltooth sawfish in the face of a mysterious die-off threatening its existence.
