MONROE COUNTY, Fla. — A fourth dead small tooth sawfish was found at Everglades National Park amid reports of abnormal behavior and deaths among the marine animals.
The sawfish was between 12 and 13 feet long and found on Cape Sable in Monroe County, according to an Instagram post by the park.
What's happening?
Sawfish have been experiencing abnormal spinning behavior and dying in the Florida Keys since the fall.
So far, there have been 40 sawfish deaths as of Thursday, and Florida Fish and Wildlife are still trying to figure out why. Officials are calling it an "unusual mortality event."
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced an emergency response in March for the endangered animals.
Based on data, there are no signs of disease or infection. Florida Fish and Wildlife also ruled out dissolved oxygen, salinity, pH, temperature and red tide as causes of the behavior or death.
What are sawfish?
Sawfish are related to rays, skates and sharks and have long, flat snouts that have a row of teeth on each side, appearing like a saw. They can live for decades and located mainly in southwest Florida.
It was the first of the state's native marine fish to be listed in the Endangered Species Act. Loss of habitat, overfishing and the commercial fishing industry led to a 90% population decline in the 20th century.
If you see any sawfish healthy, sick, injured or dead, you should call 844-472-9347 or email sawfish@fwc.com. You can also report abnormal fish behavior and fish kills to the hotline at 800-636-0511.
