Sawfish are among the most endangered marine fish on Earth, with five species facing extinction from entanglement, habitat loss, and historical overhunting.
Sawfish caught in fishing gear suffer acute stress and may drown before being released. The rostrum, studded with sensory organs, is particularly vulnerable to entanglement that causes injury and sensory deprivation. Habitat degradation in seagrass and mangrove areas where sawfish pup eliminates critical nursery grounds, reducing juvenile survival. Recovery programs focus on bycatch reduction gear modifications, reporting networks, and habitat protection in remaining strongholds.