Movement Behavior of Critically Endangered Smalltooth Sawfish in the Southeastern US

Image Credit: Rosie Porier

Lead Organization

Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory

Project Status

Ongoing

Contact

Ashley Dawdy
Dr. Dean Grubbs

Project Overview

The smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata) is a Critically Endangered ray species native to the US, the Bahamas, and Cuba. Critical habitat, primarily mangrove habitat near Everglades National Park and Charlotte Harbor, was defined for small juveniles in 2016 but has yet to be determined for large juveniles and adults. This study aims to describe the long-term migratory behavior and habitat use of large sawfish in the US, with the goal of identifying areas important to critical life functions such as mating and pupping.

Sampling for this project occurs across a wide range of areas used by sawfish, primarily in the Florida Keys and Everglades National Park, in addition to Tampa Bay, the Florida Big Bend, and Cape Canaveral.

Why This Matters

The smalltooth sawfish was the first native marine fish to be listed on the Endangered Species Act in 2003 after a large population decline primarily due to unintentional catch (bycatch) in commercial shrimp fisheries and the loss of vital habitats.

Since then, years of dedicated research and conservation efforts have sparked hope for the species’ recovery. However, a major setback occurred in 2024 in the Florida Keys when a mysterious event caused fish to spin, resulting in the deaths of 56 large sawfish.

Ongoing acoustic monitoring of sawfish movements will help scientists understand the impact of this event, and continue to answer critical questions about where large juveniles and adults live, feed, and possibly reproduce. This information is essential for protecting the habitats that are most important to the species’ long-term survival.