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EcoGuide Florida Keys | Sawfish Return
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Marine Ecolgist Studying Sawfish
by Richard H. Stewart
AUTHOR/PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Key West

A scientist at The Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory has won a three-year, grant to study the endangered but little-known sawfish, whose numbers are believed to have declined globally more than 90 percent.The formidable-looking sawfish is related to the stingray but more closely resembles a shark. It has been overexploited in many parts of the world due to the commercial appeal of its prominent, toothy rostrum (snout).

Marine ecologist Dean Grubbs and his Florida State team will focus their research on the ecology of the smalltooth sawfish, the only domestic marine fish currently listed in the U.S. Endangered Species Act but, until now, rarely investigated. Its once-extensive range in the United States now is primarily
restricted to southwest Florida and the Florida Keys.

"Worldwide, there are only six or seven extant species of sawfishes and all are listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species," Grubbs said. "This means we are in danger of losing an entire order of animals that are among the largest of all fishes, including some sawfish species that reach lengths of more than 20 feet. "Grubbs said populations have declined due to overfishing
and habitat loss.



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