Smalltooth Sawfish
Pristis pectinata
Protected Status
Quick Facts
About the Species
The smalltooth sawfish is one of five species of sawfishes. All sawfishes belong to a group of fish called elasmobranchs that include rays, skates, and sharks. Elasmobranchs have no bones and their skeletons are instead made of cartilage, a firm tissue more flexible than bone. Although shark-like in appearance, sawfishes are actually rays, as their gills and mouths are found on the underside of their bodies. Sawfishes get their name from their distinct rostrum—a long, flat snout edged with teeth—that looks like a saw.
Smalltooth sawfish live in tropical seas and estuaries (semi-enclosed areas where rivers meet the sea) of the Atlantic Ocean. They are most at home in shallow, coastal waters, and sometimes enter the lower reaches of freshwater river systems. In the United States, they can be found in Florida’s coastal waters.
Smalltooth sawfish populations declined dramatically during the second half of the 20th century due to habitat loss associated with coastal development and accidental capture in fisheries. In response, NOAA Fisheries listed the U.S. distinct population segment (DPS) of smalltooth sawfish as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 2003; making it the first marine fish to receive federal protection. In 2014, the non-U.S. DPS of smalltooth sawfish was also listed as endangered. Under the ESA, it is illegal to catch, harm, harass, or kill an endangered sawfish. However, some fishermen catch sawfish as bycatch (i.e., incidentally while fishing for other species). Safe handling and release guidelines have been developed to guide fishermen how to respond when they incidentally capture sawfish or other protected species.
The smalltooth sawfish is listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). Appendix I of CITES includes species that are considered to be threatened with extinction as a result of commercial trade, and an Appendix I listing creates prohibitions on such trade. Smalltooth sawfish also receive protection under Annex II of the Protocol for Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife—commonly referred to as the SPAW Protocol.The SPAW Protocol engages countries in the Wider Caribbean in conservation for threatened and endangered species. The smalltooth sawfish is also listed 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. Participating countries strive to strictly protect these animals, conserving and restoring the places where they live, and mitigating obstacles to migration.
NOAA Fisheries is committed to protecting and rebuilding smalltooth sawfish. Our scientists and partners use a variety of innovative techniques to study and protect smalltooth sawfish, as there is still much to learn about their life history and distribution. To date, we have designated critical habitat for the U.S. DPS, worked with a team of scientists and management partners to develop a recovery plan. We also continue to conduct public outreach efforts to promote safe handling and release techniques for sawfish.
Population Status
There are few data about historical smalltooth sawfish abundance but reports suggest they were a prominent member of the fish community in the southeastern United States. Smalltooth sawfish were once found in the Gulf of Mexico from Texas to Florida and along the East Coast from Florida to North Carolina. Their distribution has decreased greatly in U.S. waters over the past century, and today, the species is generally only found off the coast of Florida.
Appearance
Smalltooth sawfish are olive gray to brown on top and have a white underside. Although sawfish have shark-like bodies, they are actually a type of ray. They are named after their "saws" (rostra)—long, flat snouts edged with teeth. Smalltooth sawfish have 22 to 29 teeth on each side of their snout.
Behavior and Diet
Smalltooth sawfish primarily eat fish but may also consume invertebrates (e.g., shrimp and crabs). A sawfish uses its rostrum to slash through schools of fish, swinging it from side to side to impale and stun prey. The rostrum also contains electro-sensory system, which can sense the weak amount of electricity produced by other animals. This system helps sawfish identify when prey is nearby.
Where They Live
In the United States, smalltooth sawfish are most often found off the southwest coast of Florida, from about Charlotte Harbor through the Everglades and Florida Keys region at the southern tip of the state. Outside the United States, smalltooth sawfish have been confirmed to live in the Bahamas and informal reports suggest they might also be found off the coasts of Honduras, Belize, Cuba, Guinea Bissau, and Sierra Leone. Smalltooth sawfish use a variety of coastal habitats depending on life stage. During their first 2 years, juveniles live in estuaries and the smaller habitats within them, such as shallow portions of bays, lagoons, and rivers. Once they reach approximately 7 feet, they begin moving out of the shallow estuaries into more coastal habitats. Larger juveniles and adults can be found in estuaries, off beaches, and along deep-water reefs. A number of factors, such as water temperature, water depth, shoreline vegetation, and salinity, affect how and when a sawfish uses a habitat. Generally, smalltooth sawfish live in waters warmer than 64°F. Small sawfish tend to live in shallow water and move to deeper waters as they grow. For example, in Charlotte Harbor, Florida—an important nursery and research area for smalltooth sawfish—we’ve learned that juvenile sawfish have an affinity for water that’s at least 70°F and less than 3 feet deep.
Lifespan & Reproduction
Smalltooth sawfish are "yolk-sac viviparous"—their young are attached to yolk sacs that nourish the embryo inside the mother's body and emerge as fully developed pups. The pups are born with their saw fully developed, but it is very flexible and sheathed in a thick gelatinous material to avoid injuring the mother at birth (the sheath dissolves quickly thereafter). A mother smalltooth sawfish can have 7–14 pups per litter. Newborn sawfish are approximately 2 feet long at birth and double in size over their first year. Sawfish reach sexual maturity beginning around 7 years and when they’ve reached a size of about 11 feet. The length of the female smalltooth sawfish gestation period, or pregnancy, is believed to be 12 months and females can give birth every other year.
Threats
Habitat Loss
Young sawfish rely on shallow estuarine habitats fringed with vegetation, especially red mangroves, as nursery areas. Development of the waterfront in Florida and other southeastern states has changed or destroyed much of this habitat. The elimination of viable nursery habitats therefore has the potential to limit population growth.
Bycatch
Historically, sawfish were often accidentally caught in fishing nets, particularly inshore gill nets. Because sawfish have the potential to damage fishing gear and pose a threat to fishermen, they were often killed rather than being released unharmed. While this threat has largely been reduced with the 1995 enactment of the Florida Net Ban Amendment, sawfish are still incidentally caught in a variety of fishing gears today, including shrimp trawls, bottom longlines, and recreational hook-and-line gear.
Scientific Classification
Kingdom | Animalia | Phylum | Chordata | Class | Chondrichthyes | Order | Rhinopristiformes | Family | Pristidae | Genus | Pristis | Species | pectinata |
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What We Do
Conservation & Management
As part of our mission, NOAA Fisheries is committed to the protection and recovery of smalltooth sawfish. Targeted management actions taken to recover this species include:
- Designating critical habitat that protects juvenile habitat
- Developing regulations and safe release guidance to reduce injury and mortality by fisheries and fishing gear
- Providing public outreach to educate the public about this species and how to properly handle, view, and report interactions
Science
NOAA Fisheries and our partners conduct various research activities on the biology, behavior, and ecology of the smalltooth sawfish. The results of this research are used to inform management decisions and enhance recovery efforts for this endangered species. Our work includes:
- Field surveys for both juvenile and adult smalltooth sawfish
- Satellite tagging and active acoustic tracking to monitor short-term movements
- Passive acoustic tracking to monitor long-term, large-scale movements
- Genetic analyses to evaluate diversity, movements, and patterns within the population
- Population monitoring through encounter records provided by the public
How You Can Help
Protect Shoreline Habitats
Three National Wildlife Refuges in Florida protect smalltooth sawfish habitat. If you visit these refuges or other shallow, coastal areas in southern Florida, remember to keep your distance from sawfish and respect their habitat.
You can also help restore coastal habitats by participating in local mangrove planting and other habitat restoration projects, and by participating in coastal clean-ups.
Follow Sawfish Safe Handling and Release Guidelines
Under the Endangered Species Act, it is illegal to catch or harm an endangered sawfish. Because fishermen may catch sawfish incidentally while fishing for other species, safe handling and release guidelines have been developed so they can quickly release hooked sawfish with little or no harm.
Report Sawfish Sightings
Scientists at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission conduct research on smalltooth sawfish. As part of the research program, the Sawfish Survey asks fishermen, boaters, and beach-goers to report any sawfish they catch or see in the water. Call (844) 4SAWFISH to make reports and to request information on the species. You can also make reports to sawfish@MyFWC.com.
Featured News
Management Overview
The U.S. distinct population segment (DPS) and the non-U.S. DPS are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
Additionally, the smalltooth sawfish is listed:
- under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
- under Annex II of the Protocol for Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW).
Recovery Planning and Implementation
Recovery Action
Under the ESA, NOAA Fisheries develops and implements recovery plans for the conservation and survival of listed species. The goal of the smalltooth sawfish plan is to recover the U.S. distinct population segment so that its status can first be reclassified from “endangered” to “threatened” and then ultimately removed from the list of protected species.
The ESA authorizes NOAA Fisheries to appoint recovery teams to assist with the development of species recovery plans. We convened the Smalltooth Sawfish Recovery Team—consisting of scientists and environmental managers—to develop a recovery plan for this species. The team published the first Smalltooth Sawfish Recovery Plan in 2009 and is currently updating it to incorporate new information. The 2009 plan provided 3 primary objectives to recover the U.S. DPS of smalltooth sawfish:
- Minimize human interactions and associated injury and mortality
- Protect and/or restore smalltooth sawfish habitats
- Ensure smalltooth sawfish abundance increases substantially and the species reoccupies areas from which it had previously been extirpated.
Species Recovery Contact
Adam Brame, Recovery Coordinator
Implementation
Under the ESA, NOAA Fisheries can also appoint teams to help implement recovery plans. The Smalltooth Sawfish Recovery and Implementation Team works with state and federal resource management agencies to develop regulations to reduce interactions between sawfish and commercial fisheries. The team also works with government agencies, conservation organizations, and fishing groups to implement an education and outreach plan. These efforts aim to increase awareness and help sawfish survive human interactions.
Critical Habitat Designation
Once a species is listed under the ESA, NOAA Fisheries evaluates and identifies whether any areas meet the definition of critical habitat. Those areas may be designated as critical habitat through a rulemaking process. The designation of an area as critical habitat does not create a closed area, marine protected area, refuge, wilderness reserve, preservation, or other conservation area; nor does the designation affect land ownership. Federal agencies that undertake, fund, or permit activities that may affect these designated critical habitat areas are required to consult with NOAA Fisheries to ensure that their actions are not likely to adversely modify or destroy designated critical habitat.
In 2009, NOAA Fisheries designated two areas along the southwestern coast of Florida as critical habitat for the U.S. distinct population segment of smalltooth sawfish. We designated these areas because they provide important juvenile nursery habitat, where young sawfish can find food easily and avoid predators.
Conservation Efforts
Reducing Commercial Fishing Impacts
A number of commercial fisheries incidentally catch smalltooth sawfish, as the species is extremely vulnerable to entanglement in nets, lines, and trawls. Various fishing gear modifications and fishing regulations have been implemented to minimize the impacts to sawfish from the commercial fishing industry. For example, Florida has banned the use of gillnets in state waters. Safe handling and release guidelines also have been developed for fishermen. These guidelines explain how to remove a sawfish from different types of fishing gear and also ask that fishermen record details about encounters in their logbooks.
NOAA Fisheries provides protocols for commercial fishing vessels to reduce the impacts of hook-and-line gear on smalltooth sawfish.
Find safe handling and release guidelines (PDF, 1 page)
Reducing Recreational Fishing Impacts
Because smalltooth sawfish accidentally caught while fishing must be released as quickly as possible, NOAA Fisheries developed guidelines explaining how recreational anglers can safely handle and release the species.
Learn what to do if you accidentally catch a smalltooth sawfish (PDF, 2 pages)
Educating the Public
Together with state partners and conservation groups, we have developed programs to educate the public about the endangered status of smalltooth sawfish, as well as prohibitions against capturing, harming, or harassing them.
International Collaboration
Through international cooperation and conservation efforts, NOAA Fisheries and the International Union for Conservation of Nature are working with our partners to protect smalltooth sawfish. In response to the dramatic depletion of all sawfish species, the International Union's Shark Specialist Group recently initiated a Global Sawfish Conservation Strategy. Key policy recommendations and conservation activities include:
- Training people in local fisheries to conduct sawfish surveys in key regions, including West Africa
- Helping these key regions develop national and regional plans to recover sawfish
- To prevent illegal trade, creating manuals to help fishermen, customs agents, and enforcement personnel identify sawfish and sawfish parts
- Reducing sawfish bycatch in trawl and gillnet fisheries in southeast Asia and other bycatch hotspots around the world
Also, because of the threat to sawfish from trade, all sawfish species are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). They are listed on Appendix I which prohibits commercial trade in all sawfish . NOAA Fisheries played a leading role in the listing of sawfish species under CITES.
Smalltooth sawfish also receive protection under Annex II of the Protocol for Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife—commonly referred to as the SPAW Protocol.The SPAW Protocol engages countries in the Wider Caribbean in conservation for threatened and endangered species. The smalltooth sawfish is also listed 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. Participating countries strive to strictly protect these animals, conserving and restoring the places where they live, and mitigating obstacles to migration.
Key Actions and Documents
More Information
Science Overview
NOAA Fisheries and our partners conduct various research activities on the biology, behavior, and ecology of the smalltooth sawfish. Some of our partners include the state of Florida as well as universities, nonprofits, and international organizations. The results of this research are used to inform management decisions and enhance recovery efforts for this endangered species.
Collecting Sawfish Data
Sawfish researchers collect data from sawfish carcasses that are found and reported, sawfish incidentally caught in federal fisheries, and sawfish that are collected during field surveys for the species. Reported sawfish carcasses are necropsied and samples are collected that can aid in age growth models.
Field surveys for smalltooth sawfish are the most important method for collecting data. A variety of survey methods are used to capture live sawfish for scientific purposes, including longline, rod-and-reel, and gillnets. Once captured, a variety of measurements and samples are taken from each fish prior to release.
Samples
Small tissue samples are collected after capture for genetic analysis. Genetics are useful in understanding population structure, diversity within the population, and both the size and health of the current population in comparison to the historical. As an example, we are using genetics to determine whether there is significant movement and genetic exchange between the U.S. and Bahamas populations of smalltooth sawfish. Genetics have also been recently used to infer reproductive behaviors including rates of reproduction and parturition site fidelity (moms using the same geographic locations to pup young).
Blood samples are collected from sawfish to measure reproductive status and stress physiology. Hormones within the blood are used to assess reproductive cycling and periodicity. Blood samples for stress physiology can be used to assess post-release mortality risk from a variety of fisheries.
Acoustic Tracking
Scientists are using the most recent technology to track the movements of smalltooth sawfish. This tracking involves capturing the animals, equipping them with acoustic pingers, and releasing them. Depending on the objectives of the project, scientists may track them in a boat using hydrophones to determine short-term microhabitat use or set up a network of inwater receivers (acoustic listening stations) to track longer-term broad-scale movements. Acoustic pingers may be active for short periods of time or long periods of time lasting up to 10 years.
Satellite Tagging
Sawfish caught during surveys are also often fitted with GPS satellite tags. These types of tags are generally used on larger juveniles and adults. Because far less is known about these larger animals, researchers hope that satellite tags can reveal important adult habitats. Satellite tagging studies to date have shown that larger sawfish spent 96 percent of their time in shallow coastal waters.
Learn more about the satellite tagging studies
Population Monitoring Through Encounter Reports
If you catch or see a sawfish, take a quick photograph of the sawfish, estimate its size, note your location, and please share the details with scientists. The details of your sightings or catches of sawfish help experts monitor the population and track the recovery progress. You can share your information by calling 1-844-4-SAWFISH (844-472-9347) or submit your encounter online.
The collection of sawfish encounter information is authorized under the OMB Control Number included in the Citizen Science & Crowdsourcing Information Collection page. This information helps inform recovery efforts for this endangered species.
Documents
5-Year Review for Smalltooth Sawfish (Pristis pectinata)
The 2018 status review for Smalltooth sawfish conducted to ensure the listing classification of the…
Smalltooth Sawfish (Pristis pectinata Latham) 5-Year Review: Summary and Evaluation
The 2010 status review for smalltooth sawfish conducted to ensure the listing classification of the…
Recovery Plan for Smalltooth Sawfish (Pristis pectinata)
The goal of the recovery plan is to rebuild and assure the long-term viability of the U.S. DPS of…
Data & Maps
Recovery Action Database
Tracks the implementation of recovery actions from Endangered Species Act (ESA) recovery plans.
Research
NOAA smalltooth sawfish monitoring survey-FY22: Relative abundance and essential fish habitat studies for smalltooth sawfish, Pristis pectinata, in southwest Florida, USA
This report describes the results from the 2022 NOAA Fisheries Panama City Laboratory juvenile…
Large-Scale Space Use of Large Juvenile and Adult Smalltooth Sawfish Pristis Pectinata: Implications for Management
Use of passive acoustic telemetry to track movements of juvenile and adult smalltooth sawfish.
Outreach & Education
Dean Grubbs Seminar Flyer
A flyer for presentation by Dean Grubbs during the 2024 Alaska Fisheries Science Center Seminar…
Protected Marine Species Identification Guide Southeast United States
This guide is intended for use by mariners in the identification and reporting of threatened and…
Smalltooth Sawfish Release and Reporting Procedures for Commercial Fisheries
This guidelines describe procedures for releasing a smalltooth sawfish incidentally caught in…
Help Save the Smalltooth Sawfish - Wallet Card
This convenient wallet card provides information on what to do and who to call if you accidentally…