In the waters off Florida’s coast, a heartbreaking mystery is unfolding. Endangered smalltooth sawfish—a rare species that has existed for millions of years—are being found spinning uncontrollably before dying in alarming numbers.
Scientists and conservationists thought the strange phenomenon, first observed last year, had faded. But now, it’s back—and they’re racing to find answers before it’s too late.
What’s Happening to the Sawfish?
Since December, at least 22 sawfish have been seen spinning wildly, and six have died. Some were spotted swimming in endless circles, others flipping over, completely disoriented. Eventually, most become too exhausted to survive.
“It’s devastating to watch,” said one marine biologist. “These animals are ancient survivors, and now they’re dying in ways we don’t fully understand.”
What Could Be Causing This?
Scientists have been testing everything—from parasites and bacterial infections to pollution and water conditions. So far, no single cause has been identified.
One leading theory suggests that toxic algae—which thrive in Florida’s warming waters—could be affecting the sawfish’s nervous systems, causing them to lose control of their movements. A prolonged heatwave last year may have triggered an increase in harmful algae, making the problem worse.
Why This Matters
Smalltooth sawfish are one of the most endangered species in the U.S., and their numbers are already dangerously low. They used to be found all along the southeastern U.S. coast, but now they mainly survive in southwest Florida and the Florida Keys.
With this mysterious illness wiping out even more of them, experts fear the species could be pushed even closer to extinction.
What’s Being Done?
- Florida has allocated $2 million to study the issue and find a solution.
- Scientists are collecting water and tissue samples from sick sawfish to test for toxins.
- The public is being asked to report any sightings of spinning or disoriented sawfish to help researchers track the spread of the issue.
How You Can Help
If you’re in Florida and see a sawfish behaving strangely, report it to scientists at SawfishRecovery.org. Every report helps experts get closer to solving this deadly mystery.
“This species has been around since the time of the dinosaurs,” said one conservationist. “We can’t let them disappear on our watch.”