Fish: Unusual Behaviors Observed in Endangered Smalltooth Sawfish
Emergency Response Efforts Launched in South Florida
Sun 31 Mar 2024 13.00 CEST
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is taking immediate action in response to a recent surge in abnormal behaviors and fish deaths among the smalltooth sawfish population in south Florida. This emergency effort aims to rescue and rehabilitate the endangered species, marking the first-ever attempt of its kind.
Abnormal Behaviors and Fish Deaths Raise Concern
Reports of smalltooth sawfish spinning, whirling, and exhibiting other abnormal behaviors have alarmed experts. To address this concerning situation, the NOAA and its partners have initiated an emergency response in south Florida.
Around 28 smalltooth sawfish have been found dead in the lower Florida Keys as of 24 March, accompanying the unusual behaviors. The cause of these behaviors and fish deaths remains unknown, and immediate actions are being taken to investigate this alarming phenomenon.
Coordinated Recovery Efforts and Analysis
The Florida fish and wildlife conservation commission (FWC) and other organizations are actively involved in addressing the issue by coordinating the recovery of sawfish carcasses for necropsies. These necropsies, similar to animal autopsies, aim to provide valuable information in understanding the cause of deaths.
Preliminary necropsy results have revealed no evidence of a communicable pathogen in the sawfish specimens, and bacterial infections have been ruled out. Furthermore, water samples are being collected and analyzed to identify any potential environmental factors contributing to the abnormal behaviors.
Hoped Outcome: Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Protection
The NOAA Fisheries’ sawfish recovery coordinator, Adam Brame, expressed optimism regarding the upcoming rescue and rehabilitation attempts. He emphasized the importance of saving the stranded sawfish and gathering valuable information about their distress.
The smalltooth sawfish, one of five sawfish species, is native to the Atlantic Ocean’s tropical seas and estuaries. Habitat loss and accidental capture in fisheries have led to a significant decline in their population. Consequently, the smalltooth sawfish became the first marine fish to receive federal protection as an endangered species.
The Need for Immediate Action
The recent mortalities among the smalltooth sawfish in south Florida threaten the recovery of this endangered species. The negative buoyancy of sawfish makes them unlikely to float upon death, potentially underestimating the total mortalities.
Due to the limited population size of smalltooth sawfish, the loss of even two dozen individuals could have severe consequences. Therefore, the NOAA’s emergency response includes rescue, quarantine, and rehabilitation efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the smalltooth sawfish.
Striving toward positive outcomes, the NOAA aims to release all successfully rehabilitated sawfish back into their natural habitats, contributing to the species’ ongoing recovery and protection.
