Once common along Maharashtra coast, sawfish face extinction

Study finds 80% decline over 3 generations MUMBAI: It looks like a chainsaw, but does more than delivering a fatal slash. With sharp teeth sticking out, the saw-like rostrum of the

sawfish

has evolved not only to attack and impale prey, but also to detect it through thousands of electroreceptors. Sadly, the

species

has not found a way to withstand fishing pressure from thousands of trawlers, dol netters and other crafts. Once common along Maharashtra's

coast

, all three species of sawfish found in the

Arabian Sea

have seen a decline of more than 80% over a period of three generations. The species were recently declared critically-endangered by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). According to an ongoing study by Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), with less than 15 observations in 15 years, the status of sawfish in India is worse than any other wildlife.

According to an ongoing study by Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), with less than 15 observations in 15 years, the status of sawfish in India is worse than any other wildlife.

Sawfish are elasmobranchs or cartilaginous fishes constituting a family of rays inhabiting tropical and subtropical coastal waters, estuaries and river systems. As predators, they keep fish, crustacean and cephalopod (squid, octopus, etc.) populations under control and are themselves a food source for sharks and crocodiles. Varying by species, the average lifespan of a sawfish is 30-40 years. Reaching sexual maturity at 8-10 years, they are believed to mate only once in two or more years, producing an average of eight young ones. Their relatively low rate of reproduction makes them extremely vulnerable to overfishing.

A major hazard to the species is the entanglement of rostrum in fishing nets and marine debris. They are also hunted for meat, liver oil and fins for the shark fin trade. Shallow coastal waters and estuaries, critical nursery habitats for juvenile sawfish, are at risk due to coastal development, industrial pollution, mangrove destruction and fishing activity. The species have disappeared from a number of locations throughout their known distribution range due to these anthropogenic stressors.

"Pristine critical habitats have been identified in Maharashtra," says Dr Akhilesh KV, a scientist at CMFRI who is part of the study. "The need is for a special management plan like Project Tiger to conserve these species." Discussing threats, he lists out industrial and domestic pollution, sand mining, ghost nets, and huge number of trawlers and other fishing gears. "All estuaries are full of stake nets; the young sawfish have slim chances of survival. Those that survive and make it to the open sea have to face fishing nets and have nowhere to escape." But he offers some hope. "Even when caught, sawfish are alive and post-release survival rates are very high. Hence, stakeholder involvement and compensation packages to fishermen can help revive populations," he says. Considered sacred here, sawfish are the lost pride of Maharashtra and the state's coast may be their last stand.

Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.