Ocean creatures are absolutely incredible, and this group of fishermen got the opportunity to make a once-in-a-life catch. This was none other than a 25ft sawfish that accidentally got caught in their gear. After it was released in good condition, the fishermen notified the relevant authorities as well.
While the sawfish swan into freedom, Joe, the photographer, stated that it really looked like a combination of a ray and a shark. Curt, the captain, says that it’s a ray that has mated with a shark and a chainsaw, making everyone laugh. Needless to say, this was an unreal sight, like something straight out of a fairytale or a horror movie.
Thanks to their large size and unique appearance, these creatures make a great catch for fishermen. Some fishermen don’t prefer them as they may harm the fishing gear. The elongated, blade-like snouts of these creatures which are studded with teeth on either were kept as prized possessions. However, for the past 20 years, not a single ray has been caught along the coastal waters of Texas.
Sawfish Were Common In Texas In The Past
Various sawfish species used to be very common in Texas waters. The large-tooth sawfish (Pristis perotteti) and small-tooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata) were abundant in the Gulf and bay waters of Texas. The two species were distinguished by the number of teeth on their rostrum, and they both surpassed 18 feet in length.
In the past, sawfish were so common in Texas that many photographs from the 1900s show how fishermen are hauling them in large numbers. A mural in downtown Rockport from the 1920s shows how trawlers in Matagorda Bay caught 17-foot sawfish. Also, on a summer weekend in 1940, 3 large-tooth sawfish were caught off Galveston. However, large-tooth sawfish and small-tooth sawfish haven’t been spotted in the United States after 1943 and 1984 respectively.
The main reasons for the dramatic reduction of the sawfish population in Texas are overfishing, habitat loss, and low reproductive potential. After catching, these creatures were killed and their saws were removed. Their meat, skin, and liver oil were used for food, leather, and lamps respectively. Also, since sawfish take years to reach sexual maturity, they only produce a limited number of offspring. Therefore, their rate of reproduction couldn’t catch up with the rate they were being harvested.
Therefore, in 2003, the small-tooth sawfish was classified as endangered species. The large-tooth sawfish is likely extinct but they remain a Species of Concern.
Since sawfish are a federally protected endangered species, harming or disturbing them in illegal. If they are accidentally caught while fishing, they should be returned to the sea immediately. According to The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), all sawfish species are “critically endangered”. So, if you enjoyed this story, share your thoughts with us in the comments.
