Why are sawtooth beak fish facing the risk of extinction?

The endangered sawtooth billfish in Florida was discovered to be unusually stranded in shallow water and at risk of premature death. Scientists say this unusual fish behavior cannot be explained at this time.

Adam Brame, sawtooth billfish recovery coordinator at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), said: 'There have been over a hundred reports of sawtoothbills being affected and currently there are more than 30 confirmed deaths'.

According to a statement, the increased die-off of sawtooth billfish (Pristis pectinata) began in October 2023 along the Florida Keys coast and to date, 32 sawtooth billfish (Pristis pectinata) have died, although officials NOAA officials believe this is an incomplete number. Expert Brame said the cause of death was sawtooth beak fish stranded on the beaches.

Sawtooth beak fish are in danger of extinction due to many strandings on the beach.

Footage posted to Facebook in early April shows a sawtooth beak spinning near the shore. Water samples showed no abnormalities in water quality or inorganic or organic chemical levels. However, tests have identified elevated levels of algae from the genus Gambierdiscus , according to the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. Some algal blooms are harmless, but some algae, including Gambierdiscus species, produce neurotoxins that can harm people and animals in the area.

Water and tissue samples continue to be tested to find the cause. Affected sawtooth beaks are usually large and mature between 2.1 and 4.2 m long.

Fish species are in danger of extinction

Historically, sawtooth billfish lived along the American coast from the US to Brazil, but now they are mainly found in southwest Florida, USA. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species, the species is critically endangered - mainly due to overfishing and habitat destruction.

In October 2023, the species' strange swimming behavior was first reported in the area. Locals described the fish as having unusual swimming behavior, swimming in erratic circles or swimming upside down. By the end of January 2024, scientists would receive this report.

According to a statement from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the agency leading the investigation, researchers examined the dead sawtooth billfish but found no signs of infectious disease or infection. bacteria, which can cause their death. They hope to devise a rescue strategy to bring the sawtooth beak back to the wild and live healthy.