Spotlighting sawfish: A day dedicated to a critically endangered species

Today, Friday 17th October, marks International Sawfish Day, a global initiative dedicated to spotlighting sawfish, a fascinating species known for their huge size and named after their long-toothed rostrums (otherwise called ‘saws’). 

Celebrated annually, International Sawfish Day was established as a collaboration between the Sawfish Species Survival Plan of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria studbook program, as well as research and conservation organisations. 

A recent update to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species sees all five species of sawfish listed as Critically Endangered, reflecting the significance of International Sawfish Day as more important now than ever before. The day serves as a vital opportunity for scientists, conservationists, and communities to come together to share research and inspire action to protect these fascinating animals.

The Deep is proud to be a partner aquarium for International Sawfish Day, helping to raise awareness of sawfish and the threats they face. These include human factors such as bycatch from fishing and habitat modification. Though it is illegal to target or harm sawfish in countries like the USA, India, Brazil, and Australia, sawfish are still taken illegally for their meat, rostra, and fins, which are prized in the shark fin trade.

Visitors to The Deep are encouraged to sign The Shark Trust’s Big Shark Pledge, a campaign calling for stronger conservation and fisheries management to protect high seas sharks. The Big Shark Pledge can be signed here: https://bigsharkpledge.org/partner/the-deep.

Those planning a trip to The Deep on International Sawfish Day can also enjoy special sawfish talks running throughout the day and the opportunity to take a ‘sawfie’ with a variety of props.

Ben Jones, Director of Husbandry & Exhibition at The Deep, said: “Green sawfish are a popular favourite with visitors to The Deep, but their future remains highly uncertain as their risk of extinction is so high.

“International Sawfish Day serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to protect one of the ocean’s most extraordinary and endangered species.

“We would love as many visitors as possible to spread the word about International Sawfish Day and come along to our event. By raising awareness and supporting conservation efforts, we can work together to protect their future.”