Endangered Sawfish Rescued and Relocated in Tampa Bay Miracle!
A smalltooth sawfish was rescued in Manatee County on August 9, 2025, as part of efforts to combat population decline.
Endangered Sawfish Rescued and Relocated in Tampa Bay Miracle!
On August 9, 2025, an endangered sawfish was rescued from a lower Tampa Bay wetland, involving an extensive collaboration among various organizations and passionate volunteers. Havenworth Coastal Conservation (HCC), along with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and NOAA Fisheries, teamed up with local anglers to achieve this critical rescue. Tonya Wiley, president of HCC, stressed the urgency for relocating the sawfish, as this species is facing a worrying decline in its population.
The sawfish, a 7.4-foot female smalltooth, was discovered trapped in Bishop Harbor, near Palmetto. Reports indicate that it may have been ensnared in the tidal pond for months or even years, having likely entered through culvert grating as a newborn or during Hurricane Helen when the area experienced flooding. As part of the rescue, the team tagged the sawfish with an acoustic transmitter and collected vital biological samples before successfully releasing it into Tampa Bay.
Understanding the Sawfish
What’s unique about sawfish? These captivating creatures boast a saw-like rostrum, lined with modified dermal denticles—features that distinguish them in the fish world. Sawfish come in various colors, including dull brown, grey, green, or yellow on top, with a generally pale underside. Their rostrum can measure a quarter to a third of their total length, which can reach up to 20 feet in some species, such as the smalltooth.
Smalltooth sawfish have been a protected species since 2003 and are notably found in the coastal waters of Florida. Adam Brame, U.S. Sawfish Recovery Coordinator at NOAA Fisheries, emphasized that the survival of this sawfish is crucial for the species. However, they face multiple threats, including fishing gear entanglements, habitat loss, and an alarming phenomenon dubbed „spinning sickness,“ which has been linked to over 60 sawfish deaths in 2023. The cause of this mysterious ailment remains unknown, but a study conducted in 2023 suggests that management efforts may be positively impacting sawfish populations in the Tampa Bay area.
A Call to Action
The U.S. Sawfish Recovery Team encourages the public to play an active role in the conservation of these incredible creatures. If you encounter a sawfish, you can report your sighting through various channels to aid their protection. Sawfish have long been revered in many cultures, symbolizing power and protection, and it’s our responsibility to ensure their survival for future generations.
As we reflect on the successful rescue of this endangered sawfish, it serves as a reminder of the importance of community involvement and collaboration in protecting our natural environments. Let’s continue to support efforts to safeguard not only the smalltooth sawfish but also the diverse marine ecosystems that Florida is known for.
For more information, you can read the details at My Suncoast and learn about the biology of sawfish at Wikipedia.