Researchers expertly restrained the sawfish in order to affix a tagging device, allowing for the tracking of its movements. Credit goes to Derrick Biglin for the image.
Back in 2003, the smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata) achieved the unfortunate distinction of becoming the first native marine fish listed under the Endangered Species Act due to its dwindling population. This decline was primarily caused by habitat loss, overharvesting, and unintentional capture in fisheries. Fast-forward twenty years, and a remarkable discovery suggests that this species may be on a slow but encouraging path to recovery. Off the coast of Cedar Key, FL, a team of researchers captured and released a 13-foot adult female sawfish on June 6 during an annual shark field course. The course, co-taught by Dean Grubbs, associate director of research at Florida State University’s Coastal and Marine Laboratory and a member of the U.S. Smalltooth Sawfish Recovery Implementation Team, also featured Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Museum of Natural History’s shark research program. Naylor confirmed that this particular sawfish is the northernmost individual tagged by the sawfish recovery team in the past three to four decades.
Sawfish belong to the elasmobranch group, which includes sharks, skates, and rays. In the past, these fish were abundant along the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts, with their highest concentrations near Florida. They occasionally ventured as far north as North Carolina. Female sawfish give birth to live young, who find protection and sustenance amidst the stilt-like roots of mangroves. However, due to extensive coastal development, the number of mangrove forests has significantly diminished. Consequently, the available nurseries for sawfish have decreased in size and quality. These fish possess a notable feature: a long, flat-edged blade covered in teeth, which made them desirable trophies among hunters.
The sawfish encountered during the annual shark field course was unexpectedly large, causing the researchers to briefly question their assumptions. Initially, Grubbs anticipated capturing a juvenile shark for the students to study. However, when the line jerked at a sharp angle, Grubbs immediately recognized that something much larger and more aggressive was taking the bait. Excitement ensued as the researchers reveled in the unexpected encounter. They promptly restrained the sawfish while a team member traveled back to shore on a skiff to retrieve a tagging device. The need for this device was unforeseen, but it turned out to be a crucial component for monitoring the sawfish’s movements over the next decade. This tagging effort aligns with broader initiatives from federal and state agencies, universities, and non-governmental organizations, all aimed at monitoring sawfish populations.
Upon closer examination, the researchers discovered mating scars on the fins and sides of the sawfish. While information on mating habits is scarce, closely related rays and sharks engage in courtship behavior that involves males biting the fins of females prior to mating. Smalltooth sawfish have a lengthy lifecycle, during which females give birth to a small litter of seven to fourteen juvenile sawfish. These juveniles take several years to reach reproductive maturity. The slow development of this species has hindered its recovery in the past. However, the presence of mating scars provides an encouraging sign that their population is steadily rebounding.
Naylor noted the significance of the sawfish sighting within the context of the immersive shark course offered by the University of Florida and Florida State University. The course allows students to gain a deep understanding of the sharks inhabiting the Gulf of Mexico. The region’s warm, nutrient-rich waters attract a wide variety of fish, including various species of sharks and rays. Naylor believes that the encounter with the sawfish provides an invaluable lesson that would be difficult to convey through traditional teaching methods. He emphasized that this discovery serves as a powerful reminder that many species have the capacity to rebound if given the chance. Amidst all the doom and gloom surrounding environmental issues, this remarkable event offers a glimmer of hope.
Citation:
Florida Museum of Natural History. (2023, July 10). Sawfish tagged in Cedar Key for first time in decades. Retrieved from https://phys.org/news/2023-07-sawfish-tagged-cedar-key-decades.html
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