Marine Wildlife

Endangered Sawfish and Bycatch Mortality

Sawfish are critically endangered rays killed in enormous numbers as fisheries bycatch, with their distinctive rostrum making entanglement nearly certain.

Key Facts

All five sawfish species are listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List
Their toothed rostrum entangles easily in fishing nets, making bycatch mortality exceptionally high
Sawfish have disappeared from over 90% of their historical range since 1900
They inhabit shallow coastal and riverine habitats that overlap heavily with fishing activity
Sawfish rostrum is highly valued in traditional medicine and trophy markets, adding to poaching pressure

Welfare Considerations

Sawfish entangled in fishing nets drown slowly as they cannot surface to breathe. Their rostrum makes disentanglement difficult, so they frequently remain trapped until death. The combination of extreme bycatch vulnerability and high rostrum value makes sawfish conservation and welfare challenges deeply intertwined.

What You Can Do

Support organizations campaigning for sawfish bycatch reporting requirements and protected area establishment
Advocate for fishing gear modifications in known sawfish habitat including circle hooks and modified net designs
Donate to sawfish population recovery programs in Australia, Florida, and West Africa