Largetooth Sawfish
The first subject that is in need of saving is a whole class called Chondrichthyes (phylum Chordata), which are fish that do not have bones, only cartilage, like, sharks and rays. This class is broken down into two subclasses called Elasmobranchii (sharks, skates, and rays) and Holocephali (chimeras). Science Daily says "These mystical sounding creatures have no bones in their body, only cartilage and appeared more than 400 million years ago, roaming the seas when dinosaurs lived." But in today's society, as of December 4th, they're in decline. While many species in this category are quickly dying off, sawfish is the most threatened types of cartilaginous animals. The Largetooth sawfish eats small fish, prawns, and other crustaceans and can reach up to 23 feet. Kyne reports that "Historically the Largetooth Sawfish was a wide-ranging species of tropical regions with four distinct populations – eastern Atlantic, western Atlantic, eastern Pacific and the Indo-west Pacific. It is now extinct or severely depleted across much of this range and is globally listed by the IUCN as Critically Endangered." Some of the final species of the Largetooth Sawfish is found in Northern Australia, barely hanging on.
It's important to save this animal because of sawfish weed out injured prey species like school fish, cephalopods (jellyfish, squids, and octopi), and crustaceans. In an article from Science Daily, ZSL's Marine and Freshwater Conservation Programme Manager, Dr. Matthew Gollock says: "The EDGE Sharks and Rays list comprises some of the most interesting and unique fish we have on this planet. The modern extinction of a single species from this list would cause the loss of millions of years of evolutionary history." This shows just how important they are to our ecosystem. Plus, they're a religious symbol for many Native cultures, meaning strength, spirituality, and admiration. But why are they going extinct? In his article, called Australian Endangered Species: Largetooth sawfish, Kyne states that "Unregulated and unmanaged fisheries, and habitat loss and degradation, all threaten sawfish across the globe." While he does mention in some cases, their large noses sometimes get accidentally caught in fishing nets but they're highly valued for their snouts and fins, which is also a big part of their disappearance. But there is good news, most fisheries have put in a code of conduct to release sawfish when accidentally caught. More promising news from the Florida Museum: "Sawfish are listed under the Endangered Species Act which makes it illegal to harm, harass or handle them in any way." Unfortunately, these marvels are still illegally harvested and sold for high prices. You might be wondering, 'what can I do to help these beautiful creatures?'. Well, reporting encounters is always helpful to alert scientist if population increases or decreases. Encounters should be addressed to the International Sawfish Encounter Database and submit the encounter through an online form (on the Florida Museums' website). Or just increasing public awareness, like this website, spreading the word lets people know that this is something to be concerned about.
It's important to save this animal because of sawfish weed out injured prey species like school fish, cephalopods (jellyfish, squids, and octopi), and crustaceans. In an article from Science Daily, ZSL's Marine and Freshwater Conservation Programme Manager, Dr. Matthew Gollock says: "The EDGE Sharks and Rays list comprises some of the most interesting and unique fish we have on this planet. The modern extinction of a single species from this list would cause the loss of millions of years of evolutionary history." This shows just how important they are to our ecosystem. Plus, they're a religious symbol for many Native cultures, meaning strength, spirituality, and admiration. But why are they going extinct? In his article, called Australian Endangered Species: Largetooth sawfish, Kyne states that "Unregulated and unmanaged fisheries, and habitat loss and degradation, all threaten sawfish across the globe." While he does mention in some cases, their large noses sometimes get accidentally caught in fishing nets but they're highly valued for their snouts and fins, which is also a big part of their disappearance. But there is good news, most fisheries have put in a code of conduct to release sawfish when accidentally caught. More promising news from the Florida Museum: "Sawfish are listed under the Endangered Species Act which makes it illegal to harm, harass or handle them in any way." Unfortunately, these marvels are still illegally harvested and sold for high prices. You might be wondering, 'what can I do to help these beautiful creatures?'. Well, reporting encounters is always helpful to alert scientist if population increases or decreases. Encounters should be addressed to the International Sawfish Encounter Database and submit the encounter through an online form (on the Florida Museums' website). Or just increasing public awareness, like this website, spreading the word lets people know that this is something to be concerned about.