International Sawfish Day | Sawfish Conservation | Endangered Species | Species of Sawfish

International Sawfish Day is celebrated on October 17 every Year. The day aims to raise awareness about endangered sawfish conservation and the threats they face.  Sawfish are critically endangered species due to habitat loss and overfishing. Moreover, the day also educates coastal communities and fishermen about sustainable fishing practices. Actually, Sawfish are a type of ray, but their saw-like snout called rostrum makes them look different from rays. It also creates awareness about species of sawfish.

History of International Sawfish Day

International Sawfish Day was created in 2017 through a partnership between Sawfish Studbook Programs of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). Many research and conservation organization have also supported them to protect these unique rays. Together, they launched the day to highlight the rapid decline of sawfish population and the threats they face in the oceans.

Why do we celebrate International Sawfish Day?

We celebrate ISD to raise awareness about critically endangered species sawfish. The day also promotes sawfish conservation efforts and all species of sawfish. Moreover, it highlights the urgent need to protect sawfish habitats. It also encourages govt to take action against illegal fishing of sawfish and illegal trade of their body parts

What is the purpose of Sawfish fishing?

In the past, sawfish were caught both intentionally and accidentally. Historically, fishermen caught them for their meat, skin, fins and saw-like snout or rostrum. The people kept the rostrum as Souvenir, decoration, or cultural symbol. However, they often caught accidently in fishing nets due to their long rostrum.

Today, there is no purpose for sawfish fishing. All species of Sawfish are protected under CITES Appendix I globally. Almost all countries have banned their illegal trade and catch. In addition, Sawfish conservation efforts are helping to control their accidental catch. In this regard, ISD helps to raise awareness about ending all types of sawfish fishing. This day educates people to protect their habitats for their survival.

International Sawfish Day | Charactersitics | Species | Conservation | Rostrum

What is a Sawfish?

A Sawfish belongs to a group of ray and closely related to sharks. It has long, flattened saw-like snout called rostrum. Sawfish has a flat body and ranks among the largest fish. They live in tropical and sub tropical waters worldwide. Their skeleton consists of cartilage instead of bone. This makes their body lighter and flexible to swim under shallow water.  Moreover, they have five pairs of gills located on the underside or ventral side of their body.  This feature makes them different from sharks.

In addition, they have many types of flexible and strong fins. These fins include pectoral fins, dorsal fins, pelvic fins, and caudal fin. But, they do not have an anal fin.

Species of Sawfish

There are five species of sawfish. These species include smalltooth sawfish, the largetooth sawfish, the green sawfish, the dwarf sawfish, and the narrowtooth sawfish.

Can Sawfish Be Harmful to Humans?

Generally, Sawfish do not harm humans. They stay calm, act shy and avoid human contact. Their rostrum may look threatening, but they use their rostrum only to catch prey, not to attack humans.

However, sawfish can become defensive if feel threatened or trapped. If they caught in a net, they swing their rostrum to protect themselves, which can cause serious injuries.

In normal conditions, they do not harm divers, swimmers and fishermen.

Sawfish Conservation and International Sawfish Day

Habitat loss, overfishing & entanglement in fishing nets have declined the sawfish populations. Therefore,  conservationists have made sawfish conservation a global priority. All species of sawfish are classified as critically endangered. As a result,  CITES Appendix I lists them and bans international trade of their body parts.

Moreover, many organizations are working to protect them. Organizations such as the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) work through collaborative programs like Sawfish Studbook Programs. They work to share data, promote breeding programs, and support research for global conservation.

Similarly, ISD helps to promote their protection.

Editor In Chief

Dr. Jassar Aftab is a qualified Veterinarian having expertise in veterinary communication. He is a renowned veterinary Journalist of Pakistan. He is veterinary columnist, veterinary writer and veterinary analyst. He is the author of three books. He has written a number of articles and columns on different topics related to livestock, dairy, poultry, wildlife, fisheries, food security and different aspects of animal sciences and veterinary education.

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