Sawfish Research and Conservation in Florida

Conservation efforts are underway in Florida to preserve the allusive sawfish.

What is a Sawfish?

Sawfish are shark-like rays named for their saw-shaped snouts (rostra). These noses are used primarily for feeding purposes and serve as a unique feature among all ocean creatures. Simply put, if you see one of these bad boys, it’ll be hard to mistake it for anything else.

In total, five species of sawfish are found worldwide with each of them facing their own challenges. All in all, these amazing fish face greater extinction risk than any other family of marine fish.

Sawfish in the USA

With a sizable decline in population, the NOAA fisheries placed the smalltooth sawfish as endangered under the endangered species act in 2003.

Native Range

Back in the good ole’ days, you could find the unique fish in coastal waters from Texas to North Carolina. Unfortunately, you’d be lucky to find one in the remotest of areas in Florida.

Decline in Population

However, fishing mortality and habitat loss led to dramatic reductions in both their numbers and range.

Finding Them Today

Today, the endangered species are regularly spotted in southwest Florida in the area from Charlotte Harbor to the Florida Keys, including Everglades National Park.

Additionally, Jupiter Dive Center on the east coast runs a Sawfish exploration dive with a high success rate of finding the endangered species on the local coral reefs. Find out more about this trip in our Complete Guide to Scuba Diving in Jupiter, FL.

9 Sawfish Biology and Ecology Facts

1. Mothers give birth only every other year
2. gestation takes about 12 months
3. littler size is about 7 – 14 young
4. Newborn pups are about 2 feet long
5. size at maturity is about 11-12 feet long.
6. Age at maturity is about 7 years
7. Max size is about 16 feet
8. Max age is unknown (likely decades)
9. diet consists of mostly fish, shrimp, and crabs.

Safe Release and Viewing Guidelines

It is illegal to harm, harass, and target the endangered species. This goes for anglers and divers.

4 Safe Release Tips for Anglers

1. If you accidentally catch one, release it immediately.
2. Never lift the fish from the water or drag them ashore.
3. Don’t use gaffs or ropes to secure a sawfish.
4. Obviously, cut the line as close to the hook as possible.

3 Safe Viewing Guidelines for Divers:

1. Keep your distance from the endangered species.
2. Avoid disturbing sawfish while diving.
3. Never touch, chase, or feed sawfish.

Contribute to Conservation

To learn more about smalltooth sawfish and US conservation efforts, head to www.sawfishrecovery.org !