In 1999, in response to the alarming decline in the smalltooth’s population, Mote Marine Laboratory inaugurated its Sawfish Conservation Biology Research Project. Dr. Colin Simpfendorfer, a senior scientist at Mote, began gathering information for a conservation effort that may well have saved the species from further decline. Simpfendorfer spent countless hours collecting anecdotal information from fishermen, analyzing data from sightings and tags, and developing statistical models for use by other agencies. A large part of his time was also spent in the field, hunting for sawfish in the muddy channels and brackish backwaters of Florida Bay. Despite their rarity, Simpfendorfer has examined and tagged 50 fish over the last five years.

Sawfish big and small are protected and must be released. Anglers who sight them are requested to call the swafish hotline.

On June 23, 1999, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) designated the smalltooth sawfish as a candidate for Endangered Species status. After almost four years of review, based in part on the work of Simpfendorfer, the smalltooth sawfish became the first marine fish granted Endangered Species status in U.S. waters. It’s now afforded the same protection as manatees and bald eagles.

Meanwhile, marine biologists continue to gather information. Although it’s too early to tell, they’re cautiously optimistic. So far, at least, the smalltooth sawfish seems to be holding its own.