SARASOTA, Fla. — A sawfish is receiving critical care at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium after staff from the lab and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rescued it in the Florida Keys.
The smalltooth sawfish was spotted swimming in circles in Cudjoe Bay by a person who called the sawfish hotline to report it. A joint team of scientists and veterinary staff took samples, measurements and tagged the animal before loading it onto a vessel to transport it to a holding tank, according to a news release.
The sawfish received respiratory assistance and was stabilized at the Mote's Lower Keys facility. After several days in critical condition, the fish was moved to another facility on Thursday for more rehabilitation treatment.
Now, the animal will continue to be monitored 24 hours a day and treated before it is released.
"This is an unprecedented partnership initiative that is at the core of our mission - using the best available science and technology to rescue, restore and conserve our precious marine species, habitats and ecosystems," Mote CEO and president Michael Crosby said in a statement.
Sawfish have been experiencing abnormal behavior in the Florida Keys over the past few months. The endangered marine creatures are exhibiting erratic spinning behavior and dying in unusual numbers.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced an emergency response in March. So far, there have been 38 sawfish mortalities as of Wednesday. Florida Fish and Wildlife are still working to identify the cause.
Sawfish are related to rays, skates and sharks and have long, flat snouts that have a row of teeth on each side, appearing like a saw. They can live for decades and located mainly in southwest Florida.
It was the first of the state's native marine fish to be listed in the Endangered Species Act. Loss of habitat, overfishing and the commercial fishing industry led to a 90% population decline in the 20th century.
If you see any sawfish healthy, sick, injured or dead, you should call 844-472-9347 or email sawfish@fwc.com. You can also report abnormal fish behavior and fish kills to the hotline at 800-636-0511.