Emergency Response Launched in South Florida as Smalltooth Sawfish Display Abnormal Behavior

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has initiated an emergency response effort in South Florida following reports of concerning behaviors among smalltooth sawfish, prompting fears for the well-being of this endangered species. According to NOAA, there have been sightings of smalltooth sawfish exhibiting unusual behaviors such as spinning and whirling, alongside reports of fish deaths in the lower Florida Keys. More than 28 smalltooth sawfish have been found deceased as of March 24th. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has stated that the cause of these behaviors and deaths remains unknown.

NOAA’s response includes the coordination of efforts to recover the carcasses of smalltooth sawfish for necropsies, which are animal autopsies, as well as the collection and analysis of water samples from the affected areas.

Despite extensive testing, necropsy results have not revealed any signs of communicable pathogens or bacterial infections in the specimens. Furthermore, environmental factors such as dissolved oxygen, salinity, pH, and temperature are not suspected to cause abnormal behaviors and deaths.

Adam Brame, the NOAA Fisheries’ sawfish recovery coordinator, expressed hope for positive outcomes from potential rescue attempts, emphasizing the significance of this initiative for the protection of the endangered species. Brame highlighted the importance of gathering critical information through rescue and rehabilitation efforts, even if not always successful in saving stranded animals.

Smalltooth sawfish, one of five species of sawfish, inhabit tropical seas and estuaries of the Atlantic Ocean. Despite their shark-like appearance, they are rays with distinctive flat snouts edged with teeth, resembling a saw. Their diet primarily consists of fish, although they may also consume invertebrates.

The decline in smalltooth sawfish populations during the latter half of the 20th century was primarily attributed to habitat loss from coastal development and accidental capture in fisheries. Consequently, the species became the first marine fish to receive federal protection as endangered. The recent mortality of at least two dozen smalltooth sawfish in South Florida is particularly concerning given the species’ limited population. NOAA emphasized the potential impact of these losses on the recovery of the species.

As part of the emergency response efforts, NOAA plans to rescue smalltooth sawfish and provide observation and rehabilitation at quarantine facilities. The ultimate goal is to release all rehabilitated sawfish back into the wild.

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