Three smalltooth sawfish pups recently made their debut at SeaWorld Orlando, marking an extraordinary milestone in the conservation efforts for this endangered species.
The smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata), one of five sawfish species, are classified as rays due to their gills and mouths being situated on the underside of their bodies. The name ‘sawfish’ is derived from their distinctive rostrum, a long, flat snout adorned with teeth that resemble a saw’s edge. Smalltooth sawfish predominantly inhabit tropical seas and estuaries where rivers meet the ocean in the Atlantic Ocean. They are most commonly found in shallow, coastal waters and occasionally venture into the lower stretches of freshwater river systems. Historically found in the Gulf of Mexico and along the East Coast up to North Carolina in the United States, their distribution has significantly contracted, primarily confined to Florida’s coastline, owing to population declines.
The SeaWorld Orlando team discovered a pregnant female in May, and she was carefully monitored before giving birth at the Aquarium Health Center. Smalltooth sawfish typically give birth to seven to 14 pups at a time, with a pregnancy duration believed to last 12 months, and females capable of birthing every other year. At birth, these fish resemble small sharks and measure approximately two feet in length. The trio, born in July, consists of two females and one male. The birth of these smalltooth sawfish pups stands as a remarkable achievement in the realm of sawfish conservation, and SeaWorld Orlando stands as the sole U.S. aquarium to house this enigmatic species. Furthermore, a single other aquarium across the globe has succeeded in welcoming these smalltooth sawfish pups, as per SeaWorld’s announcement.
“This is an extraordinary success in the realm of sawfish conservation, and it is our privilege to provide world-class care for this critically endangered species,” said Dr. Joseph Gaspard, vice president of zoological operations at SeaWorld Orlando. “The birth of these smalltooth pups allows for a greater understanding of how to turn the tide on the declining sawfish populations and spread the message of education to our millions of guests that visit each year.”
Smalltooth sawfish hold the distinction of being the first marine fish to receive protection under the Endangered Species Act. This critical status was granted in 2003, primarily due to habitat loss and overfishing, both of which have contributed to their dwindling numbers. Under the ESA, it is strictly illegal to catch, harm, harass, or kill an endangered sawfish, thereby affording them the legal protection they desperately need. However, occasional accidental captures occur when fishermen are targeting other species. Guidelines for the safe handling and release of protected species, including sawfish, have been established to provide a framework for responding to such encounters.
Smalltooth sawfish also enjoy protection under the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES), listed on Appendix I. This listing prohibits commercial trade in species threatened with extinction, adding an additional layer of safeguarding for these remarkable creatures. Moreover, smalltooth sawfish are included in Annex II of the Protocol for Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW Protocol), a key component of conservation efforts in the Wider Caribbean region. They are further recognized as a migratory species threatened with extinction (Appendix I) under the United Nations Environment Programme Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. This international recognition underscores the need for stringent protection, conservation, and habitat restoration efforts.
In a world where the conservation of marine life has become increasingly vital, the successful birth of these endangered sawfish at SeaWorld Orlando represents a heartwarming success story and a symbol of hope for the future of these magnificent creatures. It serves as a testament to the invaluable work of those dedicated to safeguarding our oceans and the wondrous creatures that inhabit them.
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