NewsWUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)August 11, 2026Hillsborough
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission requests public reports on endangered smalltooth sawfish sightings
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is asking the public to report sightings of the endangered smalltooth sawfish to assist marine biologists in their research. This effort aims to gather data on the species, which has experienced population declines due to unintentional overfishing.
Read the full story at WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)Why It Matters
Public participation in reporting sightings provides researchers with critical data to track the recovery and habitat usage of the endangered in Southwest Florida waters.
Key Facts
- The smalltooth sawfish is currently classified as an endangered species.
- The species belongs to the stingray family.
- Historical population declines were caused by unintentional overfishing.
- The FWC is actively seeking public input to aid marine biologists in studying the fish.
Who's Mentioned
locationCaloosahatchee River“Identified as a nursery habitat for sawfish.”otherSmalltooth sawfish“Endangered marine fish species protected under the Endangered Species Act.”locationPeace River“Identified as a nursery habitat for sawfish.”organizationFlorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission“State agency conducting research on endangered sawfish.”other800-4SAWFISH“Phone number for reporting sightings.”othersmalltooth sawfish“The endangered marine species that is the subject of the research request.”