What: FSUCML Conservation Lecture
The smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata) is a formidable predator that grows to more than 16 feet in length and is among the largest coastal marine fishes in the world. The smalltooth sawfish is listed as Critically Endangered in the IUCN Redlist of Threatened species and is the only native marine fish listed as Endangered under the United States' Endangered Species Act. Sawfish declined due to overfishing and fishery by catch remains the largest source of direct mortality, though habitat loss from urban development, agriculture, and freshwater diversion hinders recovery. In the Northwest Atlantic the remaining sawfish population is concentrated in southwest Florida and portions of the Bahamas. Dr. Grubbs and his colleagues are using archival satellite tracking on adult smalltooth sawfish to 1) examine regional fidelity, migration and exchange between population segments, 2) determine if aggregation sites related to feeding, mating or pupping exist and 3) assess mortality risk due to interaction with commercial and recreational fisheries. Their research has recently been featured in documentaries such as Public Television's (WPBT) Changing Seas: Saving Sawfish. Following a screening of this short film, Dr. Grubbs will discuss his research findings to date.
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