NOAA Provides Protection to Five Endangered Sawfish Species

The National Marine Fisheries Service division of the National Oceanic Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration this week listed five species of sawfish as endangered, thus receiving protection under the Endangered Species Act.

In September, 2010, the WildEarth Guardians submitted a petition requesting that six sawfish species be listed as endangered: knifetooth, narrow, or pointed sawfish; dwarf or Queensland sawfish; largetooth sawfish; green sawfish; and the smalltooth sawfish.

On March 7, 2011, NMFS published a 90-day findings report indicating that 5 of the 6 species petitioned warranted action: all but the largetooth sawfish. The other five, they indicate are “presently in danger of extinction.”

In addition, NMFS made some taxanomic changes, consolidating three specieis under a single classification. They also proposed that four other sawfish species be listed, as well.

Because none of the newly listed species reside within U.S. waters, the NMFS was unable to propose a new critical habitat for the endangered species. However, NMFS is working with other countries to develop plans to protect the 5 sawfish.

The five new ESA listings will take effect on January 12, 2015.