Guitarfish and Sawfish: Welfare of Critically Endangered Rays

Guitarfish and sawfish are shark-like rays that have suffered catastrophic population declines. Their welfare in fisheries and the challenges of their near-extinction deserve attention.

Key Facts

All five sawfish species are listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN
Sawfish have lost over 95% of their historical range due to fishing and habitat loss
Guitarfish (also called shovelnose rays) are similarly declining across their ranges
Sawfish rostrums are prized as trophies and for use in traditional medicine
They are caught as bycatch in gillnets, where their saw-like rostrums become entangled
Sawfish are the only fish known to saw through other animals using their rostrum

Welfare Considerations

When sawfish are caught in gillnets, their toothed rostrum becomes severely entangled. Disentanglement by fishers, when it occurs, involves removing the fish and cutting the net — a process that causes physical injury and acute stress. Entangled sawfish often remain in nets for extended periods before retrieval, causing prolonged suffering. Guitarfish caught in trawls suffer from the same crushing and barotrauma as other benthic species. Their critically endangered status means that beyond individual welfare, each death reduces the chance of species survival. Some populations may already be functionally extinct.

What You Can Do

Report any sawfish or guitarfish sightings to the IUCN Sawfish Conservation Society
Support research into gear modifications that reduce bycatch of critically endangered rays
Never purchase sawfish rostrums, teeth, or products made from their parts
Donate to organisations working on sawfish critical habitat protection and recovery