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NewsWUSF (NPR Tampa Bay) — EnvironmentAugust 11, 2026Hillsborough

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission requests public reports on endangered smalltooth sawfish sightings

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is asking the public to report sightings of the endangered smalltooth sawfish to assist marine biologists in their research. This effort aims to gather data on the species, which has experienced population declines due to unintentional overfishing.

environmentwildlifeendangered speciesmarine biology
Read the full story at WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay) — Environment

Why It Matters

Public participation in reporting sightings provides researchers with critical data to track the recovery and habitat usage of the endangered in Southwest Florida waters.

Key Facts

  • The smalltooth sawfish is classified as an endangered species.
  • The species belongs to the stingray family.
  • Historical population declines were caused by unintentional overfishing.
  • The FWC is actively seeking public assistance to track the fish in Southwest Florida waters.

Who's Mentioned

otherEndangered Species Act“Federal law under which smalltooth sawfish are listed as endangered.”organizationFlorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission“State agency conducting research on endangered sawfish.”other800-4SAWFISH“Phone number for reporting sawfish sightings.”locationSouthwest Florida“The geographic region where the FWC is seeking sighting reports.”othersmalltooth sawfish“An endangered marine species currently being studied by biologists.”