ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — An enigmatic ailment that induces unusual and fatal spinning behavior in prehistoric and endangered smalltooth sawfish in the waters of Florida has seemingly resurfaced, with over 50 casualties reported in the past year, as confirmed by wildlife authorities on Wednesday. Following a hiatus lasting approximately nine months, there have been 22 documented instances of this peculiar spinning behavior among sawfish in the waters surrounding the Florida Keys since December, as reported by the state’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Six sawfish fatalities have been recorded in this recent resurgence. The root cause behind this phenomenon, which led to at least 54 sawfish fatalities last year, remains unclear. Despite extensive testing for parasites, bacteria, viruses, more than 250 chemicals, and even assessments for issues such as toxic red tide, no definitive results have been identified. “Scientists have observed subtle changes in the brain tissue of affected fish, but further investigation is necessary,” stated the agency in a press release. Sawfish, which are closely related to rays, skates, and sharks, derive their name from their elongated, flat snout equipped with a row of teeth on each side. These creatures have inhabited the Earth for millions of years, boasting impressive longevity and size, with some specimens reaching lengths of up to 17 feet (about 5 meters). Once abundant along the southeastern coast of the United States, sawfish are now predominantly concentrated off the southwestern coast of Florida and the Keys island chain, as their habitats dwindle. Since December 2023, more than 500 reports of spinning sawfish and other species have been officially documented. Following the initial wave of deaths, state lawmakers allocated $2 million to support the inquiry into sawfish fatalities in Biscayne Bay near Miami, Florida Bay, and the Florida Keys. Part of this funding is allocated to local fishing guides for conducting water sampling and other necessary tasks, as reported by FWC. Additionally, a dedicated sawfish hotline has been established for the public to report any sightings of spinning or whirling fish. One hypothesis posits that an extended period of elevated temperatures last year, largely attributed to climate change and linked to coral bleaching, may have altered the algae present in ocean waters, primarily in the vicinity of the sea floor where sawfish typically inhabit. Given that sawfish, akin to rays, have gills located on their ventral sides, their intake of water is often from the bottom. “Scientists have detected several algal toxins in fish tissues, which are presently under investigation as potential causes,” noted the FWC. The smalltooth sawfish has been listed as an endangered species in the United States since 2003. Florida law prohibits the intentional capture, harm, or harassment of sawfish. In recent times, threatened manatees have also experienced
