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NewsWUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)August 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.

environmentwildlife conservationendangered speciesFlorida
Read the full story at WUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)

Why It Matters

Residents and boaters in Southwest Florida are being asked to contribute observational data to help state biologists track and protect an endangered marine species.

Key Facts

  • The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is seeking public assistance to track smalltooth sawfish.
  • Smalltooth sawfish are currently classified as an endangered species.
  • The population decline of the smalltooth sawfish is attributed to unintentional overfishing.
  • Marine biologists are actively conducting research to better understand the species.

Who's Mentioned

otherEndangered Species Act“Federal law under which the sawfish is listed as endangered.”otherSmalltooth sawfish“Endangered marine species subject of the research survey.”organizationFlorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission“State agency conducting research on endangered sawfish.”other800-4SAWFISH“Phone number for reporting sightings.”locationSouthwest Florida“The geographic area where the sightings are being requested.”othersmalltooth sawfish“An endangered species of fish that is the subject of the research request.”