Southeast Fisheries Science Center (U.S.)

"Smalltooth sawfish, Pristis pectinata, historically were found from Texas to New York. However, the population today is approximately 5% of its original size and restricted primarily to the waters of southern Florida, especially Everglades National Park and adjacent areas (Seitz and Poulakis, 2002; Poulakis and Seitz, 2004; Simpfendorfer and Wiley, 2005). The decline of smalltooth sawfish has been attributed to catch and bycatch in commercial and recreational fishing, habitat loss, and a vulnerable life history (Simpfendorfer, 2002, 2005). In response to the decline in the population, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) listed this species as Endangered under the US Endangered Species Act in April 2003 (68 FR 15674)"--Introduction.

Technical Memorandum