Recently, there’s been a mysterious and dramatic increase in their mortality, which has both scientists and conservationists alarmed. So, let’s dive into what’s happening.
This past week, six smalltooth sawfish were found dead, bringing the total to a shocking 38 deaths so far this year. To put this into perspective, normally only about five mature adults are reported lost each year, often due to accidental catches in fisheries. But this sudden spike in deaths is something entirely different and particularly troubling.
The smalltooth sawfish, which resembles a shark with a chainsaw-like mouth, is part of a group known as elasmobranchs, which also includes rays and sharks. These creatures can live for several decades under normal circumstances, making their sudden deaths even more puzzling.
Adding to the mystery, divers and anglers have reported seeing not only sawfish but also a variety of other species exhibiting highly erratic behavior. Some of these reports include fish spinning in circles instead of swimming normally. Interestingly, this unusual behavior started being noted last fall, and the increased deaths of the sawfish began shortly after, in January 2024. It’s suspected that these two phenomena might be related.
In response to this crisis, local and state conservation efforts have ramped up. For instance, a distressed sawfish was recently found in Cudjoe Bay in the Florida Keys. This sawfish was transported to the Mote Marine Laboratory, where its condition stabilized after some care. It was then moved to a quarantine facility for further rehabilitation.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, along with Florida’s Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, have recorded over 200 incidents involving more than 30 species displaying this strange swimming behavior. Most of these incidents have occurred in the Florida Keys, but there have been reports extending as far north as Miami.
Experts are currently working tirelessly to understand the root cause of these bizarre and fatal behaviors. The smalltooth sawfish was the first marine fish to receive federal protection under the Endangered Species Act back in 2003, and it’s crucial that we find answers soon to prevent further loss of this unique species.
