MONROE COUNTY, Fla. – In the past week, the number of reported dead smalltooth sawfish has risen by three in the Florida Keys. That brings the total of dead sawfish to at least 43 since January. This is according to the FWC Abnormal Fish Behavior dashboard.
Separately, there have now been 458 calls to FWC’s fish kill hotline to report abnormal wildlife behavior. That number is up from 441 last week.
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Related link: Number of dead sawfish soars to 40 as reports of spinning fish continue to roll in
The numbers reflect two troubling trends that are causing fish to swim erratically and spin, and critically endangered sawfish to die. While scientists have not directly connected the events, FWC says that it is possible that the events could be related.
Researchers from FWC have not determined the cause of the behavior, but have noted elevated levels of the benthic neurotoxin gambierdiscus.
While there have not been any reported human impacts, FWC advises the public against harvesting distressed or dead animals.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Report sightings of healthy, sick, injured or dead sawfish to FWC’s Sawfish Hotline. Include date, time and location of the encounter, estimated length, water depth and any other relevant details.
· 1-844-4SAWFISH (1-844-472-9347)
Report sightings of abnormal fish behavior, fish disease, or fish kills to FWC’s Fish Kill Hotline.
· Submit a fish kill report
· Call 800-636-0511