Mysterious Illness Threatens Endangered Sawfish in Florida Keys
Fishing guides in the Florida Keys have been reporting strange sightings since last fall, with fish behaving in unusual ways that have left experts puzzled and concerned. Small bait fish spinning in distress, larger fish swimming in spirals or upside down, and even endangered smalltooth sawfish dying off at unprecedented rates have all been observed in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.
Dr. Ross Boucek, a biologist with the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, has been leading the investigation into this mysterious ailment that is affecting the marine life in the Florida Keys. The urgency of the situation escalated when the endangered sawfish started dying off in large numbers.
The search for answers has led scientists to suspect that elevated levels of toxins produced by microalgae near the sea bottom may be affecting the neurological systems of the fish, causing them to behave abnormally. This theory is supported by the fact that fish seem to recover when brought up from the sea bottom to the water surface, where toxin concentrations are lower.
Efforts to rescue and rehabilitate sick sawfish have been underway, with the National Marine Fisheries Service leading the charge in what is being called the first of its kind rescue operation in the United States. However, the situation remains dire, with over 150 sick sawfish observed and more than 426 dead fish from various species reported.
The impact of this mysterious illness extends beyond the marine life to the livelihoods of many in the Lower Keys whose jobs are connected to sport fishing. Some fishing guides have had clients cancel their trips out of fear that the fish they catch may not be safe to eat.
As scientists continue to piece together the puzzle of this complex issue, the future of the endangered sawfish and the ecosystem of the Florida Keys hangs in the balance. The community is left grappling with the devastating effects of this mysterious illness, with many feeling powerless to stop it.
