Vol. 79 Friday, No. 239 December 12, 2014

Part III

Department of Commerce

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 224 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Endangered Listing of Five Species of Sawfish Under the Endangered Species Act; Final Rule

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, outreach on the proposed rule with the Florida, 33701. The final rule and Department of State to give notice to National Oceanic and Atmospheric citation list are located on our Web site foreign nations where the species are Administration at http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/protected_ believed to occur. resources/sawfish/index.html. We are responsible for determining 50 CFR Part 224 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: whether species are threatened or [Docket No 101004485–4999–03] Shelley Norton, NMFS, Southeast endangered under the ESA (16 U.S.C. Regional Office (727) 824–5312 or Dr. 1531 et seq.). To make this RIN 0648–XZ50 Dwayne Meadows, NMFS, Office of determination, we first consider Protected Resources (301) 427–8403. whether a group of organisms Endangered and Threatened Wildlife constitutes a ‘‘species’’ under the ESA, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: and Plants; Final Endangered Listing then whether the status of the species of Five Species of Sawfish Under the Background qualifies it for listing as either Endangered Species Act On September 10, 2010, we received threatened or endangered. Section 3 of AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries a petition from the WildEarth Guardians the ESA defines a ‘‘species’’ as ‘‘any Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and (WEG) requesting we list six sawfish subspecies of fish or wildlife or plants, Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), species—knifetooth, narrow, or pointed and any distinct population segment of Commerce. sawfish (A. cuspidata), hereinafter the any species of vertebrate fish or wildlife which interbreeds when mature.’’ On ACTION: Final rule. narrow sawfish; dwarf or Queensland February 7, 1996 (61 FR 4722), NMFS sawfish (P. clavata), hereinafter the SUMMARY: and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service We, NMFS, issue this final dwarf sawfish; largetooth sawfish (P. (USFWS; collectively, the Services) rule implementing our determination pristis and P. microdon); green sawfish adopted a policy identifying two that the narrow sawfish (Anoxypristis (P. zijsron); and the non-listed elements that must be considered when cuspidata), dwarf sawfish (Pristis population(s) of smalltooth sawfish (P. identifying a DPS: (1) The discreetness clavata), largetooth sawfish (collectively pectinata)—as endangered or threatened of the population segment in relation to Pristis pristis; formerly Pristis pristis, under the ESA; or alternatively, list any the remainder of the species (or Pristis microdon, and Pristis perotteti), distinct population segments (DPS) that subspecies) to which it belongs; and (2) green sawfish (Pristis zijsron), and the exist under the ESA. On March 7, 2011, non-U.S. distinct population segment the significance of the population we published a 90-day finding (76 FR segment to the remainder of the species (DPS) of smalltooth sawfish (Pristis 12308) stating the petitioned action may pectinata) are endangered species under (or subspecies) to which it belongs. As be warranted for five of the six species. stated in the DPS policy, Congress the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of The five species were A. cuspidata, P. 1973, as amended. We also include a expressed its expectation that the clavata, P. microdon, P. zijsron, and the Services would exercise their authority change in the scientific name for non-listed population(s) of P. pectinata. largetooth sawfish in this final rule to with regard to the use of DPSs sparingly Information in our records at the time and only when the biological evidence codify the taxonomic reclassification of indicated that P. pristis, as described in P. perotteti to P. pristis. We are not indicates such action is warranted. the petition, was not a valid species. Section 3 of the ESA defines an designating critical habitat because the Our 90-day finding requested geographical areas occupied by the endangered species as ‘‘any species information to inform our decision, and which is in danger of extinction species are entirely outside U.S. announced the initiation of status jurisdiction and we have not identified throughout all or a significant portion of reviews for the five species. On June 4, its range’’ and a threatened species as any unoccupied areas within U.S. 2013, we published a proposed rule (78 jurisdiction that are essential to the one ‘‘which is likely to become an FR 33300) to list A. cuspidata, P. endangered species within the conservation of any of the five species. clavata, P. pristis (formerly P. pristis, P. We have reviewed the status of the five foreseeable future throughout all or a microdon, and P. perotteti), P. zijsron, significant portion of its range.’’ Thus species of sawfish, considered public and the non-U.S. DPS of P. pectinata as and peer review comments, and we interpret an ‘‘endangered species’’ to endangered. We also included a change be one that is presently in danger of conservation efforts being made to in the scientific name for largetooth protect all five species, and we have extinction. A ‘‘threatened species,’’ is sawfish in the proposed rule to codify not presently in danger of extinction, made our determination based on the the taxonomic reclassification of P. best available scientific and commercial but is likely to become so in the perotteti to P. pristis. The largetooth foreseeable future (that is, at a later data that all five species of sawfish—the sawfish (P. perotteti) was already listed narrow sawfish (Anoxypristis time). In other words, the primary as endangered on July 12, 2011 (76 FR statutory difference between a cuspidata), dwarf sawfish (Pristis 40822), but this listing decision clavata), largetooth sawfish (collectively threatened and endangered species is concerns the entire largetooth sawfish the timing of when a species may be in Pristis pristis; formerly Pristis pristis, (P. pristis) species as it is currently danger of extinction— either presently Pristis microdon, and Pristis perotteti), classified, which also includes the (endangered) or in the foreseeable future green sawfish (Pristis zijsron), and the species formerly classified as P. (threatened). non-U.S. DPS of smalltooth sawfish perotteti and P. microdon. We did not Section 4(a)(1) of the ESA requires us (Pristis pectinata)—are at risk of propose to designate critical habitat to determine whether any species is extinction throughout all of their ranges because the geographical areas occupied endangered or threatened due to any and should be listed as endangered by the species are entirely outside U.S. one or a combination of the following species. jurisdiction and we did not identify any five factors: (A) The present or DATES: This final rule is effective unoccupied areas that are currently threatened destruction, modification, or January 12, 2015. essential to the conservation of any of curtailment of its habitat or range; (B) ADDRESSES: Information regarding this these species. We solicited public and overutilization for commercial, final rule may be obtained by contacting peer reviewer comments on the recreational, scientific, or educational NMFS, Protected Resources Division, proposed rule and also coordinated purposes; (C) disease or predation; (D)

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the inadequacy of existing regulatory Sawfish General Species Description Life history data on sawfishes are mechanisms; or (E) other natural or limited. Fertilization is internal by manmade factors affecting its continued Sawfishes are a group of shark-like means of male claspers and existence. We are required to make rays. Taxonomically, they are classified reproduction is ovoviviparous; females listing determinations based solely on in the Family Pristidae (sawfishes), carry eggs with a yolk sac that nourishes the best scientific and commercial data Order Rajiformes (skates, rays, and developing young until they hatch sawfishes), subclass (Elasmobrancii), available after conducting a review of within the body. Sawfishes are born and Class Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous the status of the species and after taking with a gelatinous substance around their fish). The overall body form of into account efforts being made by any rostral teeth to protect the mother sawfishes is similar to sharks, but they state or foreign nation to protect the during birth (Last and Stevens, 1994; are flattened dorso-ventrally. Sawfishes species. Rainboth, 1996; Compagno and Last, are covered with dermal denticles Accordingly, we have followed a 1999; Raje and Joshi, 2003; Field et al., (teeth-like scales) and possess enlarged stepwise approach in making our listing 2009). It is thought that most sawfishes pectoral fins. determinations for A. cuspidata, P. breed every two years and have a clavata, P. pristis (formerly P. pristis, P. The most distinct characteristic of gestation period of about four to five microdon, and P. perotteti), P. zijsron, sawfishes is their large, flat, toothed months (Bigelow and Schroeder, 1953; and the non-U.S.DPS of P. pectinata. rostrum or ‘saw’ with large teeth on Thorson, 1976a). The number of young For the non-U.S. DPS of P. pectinata each side. The rostral teeth are made in a litter varies by species, as does the that may qualify as a DPS, we from calcified tissue that is neither age at sexual maturity. considered biological evidence, such as dentin nor enamel, though it is more similar to the latter (Bradford, 1957). Like most chondrichthyes, sawfishes genetic information to determine if the occupy the mid- to upper-level of their population met the DPS policy criteria. Rostral teeth develop inside sockets on the rostrum and are held in place by food web. Smaller sawfishes, including Using the best available information juveniles, may be preyed upon by larger gathered during the status reviews, we strong fibers. Unlike sharks, sawfish sharks like the bull shark (Carcharhinus completed an extinction risk assessment rostral teeth are not replaced, although leucas), estuarine crocodiles using the general procedure of partially broken teeth may continue to (Crocodylus porosus), or alligators Wainwright and Kope (1999). We then grow (Miller, 1974). For some species of (Alligator mississippiensis). Sawfishes assessed the threats affecting the status sawfish, the number of rostral teeth can may use their saw as a weapon for of each species using the five factors vary by geographic region. defense against these predators (Brewer identified in section 4(a)(1) of the ESA, Sawfishes use their rostrum to locate, et al., 1997; Wueringer et al., 2009). and then assessed public and peer stun, and kill prey, generally small reviewer comments. schooling fishes such as mullet, herring, Previously, seven valid species of Once we determined the threats, we shad, and sardines (Bigelow and sawfish were recognized worldwide assessed the efforts being made to Schroeder, 1953). Breder (1952), in (Compagno, 1999). Compagno and Cook protect each species to determine if summarizing the literature on (1995) and Compagno (1999) identified these conservation efforts were adequate observations of sawfish feeding these seven species of sawfish as A. to mitigate the existing threats and alter behavior, noted that they attack fish by cuspidata Latham 1794, P. microdon extinction risk. We evaluated slashing sideways through schools of Latham 1794, P. perotteti Muller and conservation efforts using the criteria fish, and then impale the fish on their Henle 1841, P. pristis Linnaeus 1758, P. outlined in the joint NMFS and U.S. rostral teeth. Prey are subsequently clavata Garman 1906, P. pectinata Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) scraped off their rostral teeth by rubbing Latham 1794, and P. zijsron Bleeker Policy for Evaluating Conservation the rostrum on the bottom and then 1851. Since then, the taxonomy, Efforts (PECE; 68 FR 15100; March 28, ingesting the whole fish. Bigelow and delineation, and identification of these 2003) to determine the certainty of Schroeder (1953) also report that species have proven problematic (Oijen implementation and effectiveness for sawfish feed on crustaceans and other et al., 2007; Wiley et al., 2008; future conservation efforts not yet fully benthic species. Recent studies indicate Wueringer et al., 2009). Most recently, implemented or effective. Finally, we that sawfishes may use their toothed Faria et al. (2013) hypothesized that the re-assessed the extinction risk of each rostrum to sense their prey’s electric taxonomic uncertainty occurred due to species after considering the existing fields (Wueringer et al., 2011; 2012). several factors: many original species conservation efforts. Sawfish species are distributed descriptions were abbreviated, few In order to conduct a comprehensive primarily in circumtropical shallow holotypes are available for examination, review, NMFS Southeast Region coastal waters that generally vary in reference material is not available for Protected Resources Division and NMFS salinity. While sawfishes are commonly comparison in museum collections, and Southeast Fisheries Science Center staff found in shallow water, adults are it is difficult to obtain fresh specimens members collaborated to identify the known to also inhabit deeper waters because of the infrequent captures of all best available information. Unlike some (greater than 130 ft, 39.6 m). Some sawfishes. The majority of the confusion of our previous 12-month findings, we sawfishes are found in freshwater, with regarding taxonomic classification of did not develop a separate status review established populations in major rivers Pristidae was related to the species P. report. Instead, we presented all and lakes of South America, Africa, pristis. To resolve questions regarding information available for these species Australia, and Southeast Asia. The the taxonomy of pristids, Faria et al. in the proposed rule, and we present physical characteristics of habitat, such (2013) used historical taxonomy, that information again, as modified by as salinity and temperature, likely external morphology, and mitochondrial public comment on the proposed rule, influence a sawfish’s movement DNA (mtDNA) sequences (NADH–2 in this final rule. We first discuss patterns. Tides limit the physical habitat loci) to conclude that sawfishes have background information relative to all area available, which may explain five species in two genera: P. pristis, P. five species, and then we include movement into shallow water areas clavata, P. pectinata, P. zijsron, and A. descriptions of the natural history during specific tidal cycles (Blaber et cuspidata. We accept this proposed specific to each species. al., 1989). taxonomy as the best available science.

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Natural History of the Narrow Sawfish 1941; Gloerfelt-Tarp and Kailola, 1984; to mature at 8 ft 1 in (246 cm) TL and (Anoxypristis cuspidata) Last and Stevens, 1994; Wueringer et al., all are mature at 15 ft 5 in (470 cm) TL; 2009). Narrow sawfish also have males are mature at 8 ft (245 cm) TL Taxonomy and Morphology buccopharyngeal denticles (tooth-like (Pogonoski et al., 2002; Bonfil and The narrow sawfish was first structures) present in their mouth. This Abdallah 2004; Peverell, 2005; 2008). described by Latham in 1794 as P. species does not have tubercles or The maximum recorded length of a cuspidatus. It was later reclassified as thorns on their skin (Deynat, 2005). narrow sawfish is 15 ft 5 in (4.7 m) TL, Anoxypristis due to morphological with unconfirmed records of 20 ft (6.1 Habitat Use and Migration differences from Pristis that include its m) TL (Last and Stevens, 1994; narrow rostral saw, which lacks teeth on The narrow sawfish is largely Compagno and Last, 1999; Pogonoski et the first quarter of the saw closest to the euryhaline and moves between al., 2002; Bonfil and Abdallah, 2004; head in adults, as well as the distinct estuarine and marine environments Faria et al., 2013). shape of the lower lobe of the caudal fin (Gloerfelt-Tarp and Kailola, 1984; Last, (Compagno et al., 2006a). In juveniles, 2002; Compagno, 2002b; Compagno et Reproduction the portion of the rostrum without teeth al., 2006a; Peverell, 2008). It is generally The narrow sawfish gives birth to a is only about one-sixth of the saw length found in inshore waters in depths of maximum of 23 pups in the spring. The (Wueringer et al., 2009). less than 130 ft (39.6 m) with salinities total length (TL) of pups at birth is In addition, the narrow sawfish is between 25 and 35 parts per thousand between 17–24 in (43–61 cm) characterized by dagger-shaped rostral (ppt), spending most of its time near the (Compagno and Last, 1999; Peverell, teeth (Fowler, 1941; Blegvad and substrate or in the water column over 2005; 2008). The reproductive cycle is Loppenthin, 1944; Compagno and Last, coastal flats (Compagno and Last, 1999; assumed to be annual, with an average 1999; Faria et al., 2013). The narrow Last, 2002; Peverell, 2005; Peverell, of 12 pups per litter (Peverell, 2005; sawfish also has a second pair of hollow 2008; Wueringer et al., 2009). While D’Anastasi, 2010). The number of pups cartilaginous tubes in its rostrum that Smith (1936) described it as a possible is related to female body size, as smaller are not present in other sawfishes. freshwater species, there are only a few females produce fewer offspring than These canals contain an additional reports from freshwater (Taniuchi and larger females (Compagno and Last, connection to the ampullae of Lorenzini Shimizu, 1991; Last and Compagno, 1999). Preliminary genetic research (special sensory receptors) located on 2002; Bonfil and Abdallah, 2004; suggests that the narrow sawfish may the underside of the rostrum (Wueringer Wueringer et al., 2009). We are not not have multiple fathers per litter et al., 2009). aware of any fresh or salt water (D’Anastasi, 2010). Rostral tooth count varies for this tolerance studies on the species Mating season may vary by species between 18 and 22 (Last and (Compagno, 2002a; Compagno, 2002b) geographic region. Female narrow Stevens, 1994), 24 and 28 (Hussakof, and conclude its habitat is euryhaline. sawfish captured in August (dry season) 1912), and 27–32 (Miller, 1974). The In studies conducted by Peverell in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia, all total number of teeth has been found to (2008), the narrow sawfish in the Gulf contained large eggs indicating they vary by individual, region, and sex. of Carpentaria, Australia, undergo an were mature (Peverell, 2005). Mature Some studies report males having fewer ontogenetic shift in habitat. Larger males were also captured in similar rostral teeth than females, while others individuals were commonly locations during the same time of year report the opposite (Last and Stevens, encountered offshore, while smaller (McDavitt, 2006). Although animals are 1994; Compagno and Last, 1999). While individuals were mostly found in sexually mature in the dry season, total rostral tooth count is often inshore waters. Peverell (2008) also mating may not occur until the rainy inconsistent among individuals or found females were more likely to be season in March-May in the Indo-West studies, the number of teeth an offshore compared to males, at least Pacific (Raje and Joshi, 2003). individual has is fixed during during the months of the study Age at maturity for narrow sawfish is development (Wueringer et al., 2009). (February to May). This suggests that 2 years for males and 3 years for females The pectoral fins of the narrow smaller narrow sawfish use the (Peverell, 2008). The intrinsic rate of sawfish are narrow, short, and shark- protection and prey abundance found in population increase (rate of growth of like in shape. The first dorsal fin is shallow, coastal waters (Dan et al., 1994; the population) based on life history located posterior to the insertion of the Peverell, 2005; Peverell, 2008). data from the exploited population in pelvic fins (Compagno and Last, 1999). Age and Growth the Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia, has Within the jaw, there are 94 teeth on the been estimated at 0.27 per year (Moreno upper jaw and 102 on the lower jaw Two studies have been conducted on Iturria, 2012), with a potential (Taniuchi et al., 1991a). The eyes are age and growth of narrow sawfish. Field population doubling time of 2.6 years. large and very close to the spiracles. et al. (2009) compared previously-aged Coloration is dark grey dorsally and vertebrae with aged rostral teeth and Diet and Feeding whitish ventrally (Fowler, 1941; found a direct correlation up to age 6. Narrow sawfish feed on small fish and Compagno and Last, 1999). After age 6, an individual’s age was cuttlefish (Compagno and Last, 1999; Narrow sawfish are the only sawfish often underestimated using tooth Field et al., 2009) and likely on having tricuspid (three-pointed) growth bands as the teeth become worn crustaceans, polychaetes, and denticles (White and Moy-Thomas, over time (Field et al., 2009). Peverell amphipods (Raje and Joshi, 2003). 1941). These denticles first appear on (2008) then used aged vertebrae to sawfish at 25.6 to 28 in (65 to 71 cm) develop more accurate growth curves Population Structure total length (TL), after they are born. In for both sexes. While the maximum Genetic and morphological data general, the narrow sawfish is observed age of narrow sawfish from support the division of the global considered ‘‘naked’’ because denticle vertebrae was 9 years, the theoretical species of narrow sawfish into coverage in adults is often sporadic and longevity was calculated at 27 years populations. Based on gene sequence widely spaced, usually only covering (Peverell, 2008). A 1-year-old animal data, there is a very low level of gene the rostrum and anterior fin margins, has a saw length of approximately 4.5 in flow between the northern Indian Ocean making the skin appear smooth (Fowler, (11.5 cm). Female narrow sawfish begin (n = 2) and west Pacific (n = 11)

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populations. Four haplotypes historic distribution and abundance of and include narrow sawfish (Raje and (combinations of deoxyribonucleic acid the narrow sawfish, we conducted an Joshi, 2003). Landings of narrow sawfish sequences or DNA) were identified: extensive search of peer-reviewed are currently reported from the Indian northern Indian Ocean; Indonesian; publications and technical reports, Ocean off India although they are New Guinean–Australian; and one newspaper, and magazine articles. We infrequent (K.K. Bineesh, Marine specimen that lacked locality also reviewed records from the Global Fisheries Research Institute, Department information, but had a northern Indian Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) of Pelagic Fisheries, India, pers. comm. Ocean haplotype. Specimens collected database (www.gbif.org). The results of to IUCN, 2012). from the Indian Ocean had a higher that search are summarized by major number of rostral teeth per side than geographic region. Indo-Pacific Ocean (excluding those collected from the western Pacific Australia) Indian Ocean (Faria et al., 2013). There are several accounts of narrow Field et al. (2009) examined the The earliest reports of narrow sawfish sawfish over time from various primary chemical elements of rostral in the Indian Ocean were from 1937 and unspecified locations throughout the teeth (i.e., oxygen, calcium, and 1938. Two sawfish were captured from Indo-Pacific. One narrow sawfish phosphorous) from narrow sawfish the northern Indian Ocean (no specific specimen was recorded from Mabe, captured throughout Australia in an location was reported). A third India in 1835, making it the oldest attempt to separate subpopulations specimen was later caught in the same museum record from the region (GBIF based on the isotopes of these area (Blegvad and Loppenthin, 1944). Database). The first records of narrow chemicals. They found distinctions From areas in the western Indian sawfish were for juvenile males in 1852 between regions indicating two separate Ocean around the Arabian Sea, three and 1854 (Faria et al., 2013). A female subpopulations within the Gulf of rostra were collected in 1938: Two near and male were recorded in 1867, but no Bushire, Iran, presumably from the Gulf Carpentaria Australia: one in the west exact location was specified (Faria et al., of Oman, and a third in Jask, Iran, also (Northern Territory) and one in the east 2013). In 1879, one male and one female adjacent to the Gulf of Oman (Blegvad (Queensland). Using isotopes to separate were also recorded from Indonesia and and Loppenthin, 1944). The most elasmobranch subpopulations is in its four rostra were reported from China in extensive report was 13 rostra from the infancy, however, and, coupled with the 1898 (Faria et al., 2013). limited number of samples, it is not Persian Gulf (one of those was from Iran) but it did not include date The next reports of narrow sawfish clear whether these results agree with from the Indo-Pacific occurred in the the above genetic studies of population information. Four juveniles were 1930s. A female was reported in 1931 in structure. Isotopic signatures indicate recorded in Pakistan waters in 1975: Indonesia (no specific location), and a the location where an animal spends Two females and two males (Faria et al., male was reported in Singapore in 1937 most of its time and identifies its major 2013). The last published record of (Blegvad and Loppenthin, 1944). A prey resources and do not necessarily narrow sawfish from the western edge of narrow sawfish was caught in the Gulf provide information on reproductive the range, in the Straits of Hormuz, was of Thailand in March 1937 (Blegvad and connectivity between regions. in 1997 (A. Moore, RSK Environment Loppenthin, 1944). A single report from Therefore, we conclude that the best Ltd., pers. comm. to IUCN, 2012). Papua New Guinea was recorded in available information on isotopic Most records of narrow sawfish in the 1938 (Faria et al., 2013). In 1945, narrow signatures does not support separating Indian Ocean are from the Bay of narrow sawfish into subpopulations. Bengal. In 1960 and 1961, 118 sawfish, sawfish were reported in the Chao mostly narrow sawfish, were captured Phraya River, Thailand and its Distribution and Abundance during fishery surveys using gillnets tributaries (Smith, 1945). In 1952, two The narrow sawfish is found and long lines (James, 1973). There are females were captured from Batavia, throughout the eastern and western several additional records of rostra from Semarang, Indonesia along with a third portions of the Indian Ocean as well as Bangladesh in the 1960s (Faria et al., female without a rostrum (Van Oijen et much of the western Pacific Ocean. The 2013). One record from the California al., 2007). range once extended from as far west as Academy of Sciences is from a fish Records of narrow sawfish throughout the Red Sea in Egypt and Somalia (M. market in Bangkok, Thailand in 1961. A the Indo-Pacific were scattered and McDavitt, National Legal Research narrow sawfish was used for a 1969 infrequent throughout the 1950s. Faria Group, Inc. pers. comm. to IUCN, parasitological study in Bangladesh, but et al. (2013) recorded rostra from Papua London, 2012) to as far north as no further information was recorded New Guinea; two from 1955 and one Honshu, Japan, including India, Sri (Moravec et al., 2006). Faria et al. (2013) each from 1966, 1980, and 2000. A male Lanka, and China (Blaber et al., 1994; also reported one specimen from 1976, was caught in 1989 from the Oriomo Last and Stevens, 1994; Compagno and as well as 11 more records off India, but River, Papua New Guinea (Taniuchi et Last, 1999; Compagno et al., 2006a; Van no dates were recorded. Narrow sawfish al., 1991b; Taniuchi and Shimizu, 1991; Oijen et al., 2007). The species has also were recorded from the Kirachi West Taniuchi, 2002). There are other reports been recorded in rivers in India, Burma, Wharf Fish Market in Pakistan in 1978 of narrow sawfish from Papua New Malaysia, and Thailand (Compagno, (GBIF Database). From 1982 to 1994, Guinea around the Gulf of Papua and in 2002b). one juvenile female, one juvenile male, Bootless Bay from the 1970s, but there While uncertain, the current status of and three rostra were recorded in are no recent records (Taniuchi et al., narrow sawfish populations across its Pondicherry, India (Deynat, 2005). Two 1991b). In a comprehensive literature range has declined substantially from female neonate specimens were search for the period 1923 to 1996 on historic levels. The species was recorded in Sri Lanka, and three the biodiversity of elasmobranchs in the previously commonly reported juveniles (two males and one female) South China Sea, Compagno (2002a) throughout its range, but it is now from Malabar in Southwest India were found no records of sawfishes. Yet, fresh becoming rare in catches by both also reported from 1982–1994 (Deynat, dorsal and caudal fins of narrow sawfish commercial and recreational fishers 2005). Between 1981 and 2000, in the were found during a survey of fish (Brewer et al., 2006; Compagno et al., Bay of Bengal, total elasmobranch markets from 1996 to 1997 in Thailand 2006a). To evaluate the current and landings records are dominated by rays (Manjaji, 2002b).

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There are even fewer records of fisheries data and records from 2000 to clavata is referred to as the dwarf or the narrow sawfish from the Indo-Pacific 2002, identified 74 offshore and 37 Queensland sawfish. The species was over the last few decades. The only inshore records of narrow sawfish in the first described by Garman in 1906; known specimen in the twenty-first Gulf of Carpentaria (Peverell, 2005). however, it has often been confused century is a single report from New Between April 2004 and April 2005, 16 with largetooth sawfish (Last and Guinea in 2001 (L. Harrison, IUCN, pers. narrow sawfish were caught in the Gulf Stevens, 1994; Cook et al., 2006; Morgan comm. to John Carlson, NMFS, 2012). of Carpentaria during a trawl bycatch et al., 2010a). This species can be distinguished from largetooth sawfish Australia study; the mean catch rate was 0.16 sawfish per hour (Dell et al., 2009). based on rostral tooth morphology Australia may have larger populations Observers on commercial fishing boats (Thorburn et al., 2007). of narrow sawfish than any other area recorded nine captures of narrow The dwarf sawfish is olive brown in within the species’ range (Peverell, sawfish in 2007 within the Great Barrier color dorsally with a white underside. 2005). According to the GBIF Database Reef World Heritage Area, Queensland, The rostrum of this species is quite for Australia flora and fauna, the first which accounted for 0.86 percent of the short, with 19 to 23 rostral teeth that are museum record of the narrow sawfish in shark and ray catch in the commercial moderately flattened, elongated, and Australia is from the Australia Museum fisheries (Williams, 2007). Observers in peg-like. Studies indicate that this in Townsville, Queensland in 1963. the Northern Territory’s Offshore Net species does not display significant This database also lists observations of and Line Fishery encountered several differences in the number of rostral narrow sawfish throughout the 1980s, narrow sawfish from 2007 to 2010 teeth between males (19 to 23 teeth) and mostly recorded by the Commonwealth (Davies, 2010). Data from the Kimberley females (20 to 23 teeth) (Ishihara et al., Scientific and Industrial Research (R. McAuley, Department of Fisheries, 1991a; Thorburn et al., 2008; Morgan et Organization (CSIRO) Marine and Western Australia, pers. comm. to Colin al., 2010a; Morgan et al., 2011). The Atmospheric Research group. One Simpfendorfer, 2012), the Northern rostrum makes up 21 to 26 percent of individual was observed in Western Territory (Field et al., 2009), the Gulf of the total length of the dwarf sawfish Australia in 1982 and in 1983. In 1984, Carpentaria (Peverell, 2005), and parts (Blaber et al., 1989; Grant, 1991; Last CSIRO observed one narrow sawfish just of the Queensland east coast (Harry et and Stevens, 1994; Compagno and Last, west of Darwin, Northern Territory, and al., 2011) suggest viable subpopulations 1999; Larson et al., 2006; Wueringer et five in the Gulf of Carpentaria (three in may remain locally, but at significantly al., 2009; Morgan et al., 2011). the east and two in the northwest). Five lower levels compared to historic levels. Morphologically, the origin of the first additional records in 1984 were from In summary, it appears the current dorsal fin is slightly posterior to the the northwest tip of the western Gulf of range of narrow sawfish is restricted insertion of the pelvic fins, and the Carpentaria, one from outside the Daly largely to Australia. Narrow sawfish are second dorsal fin is smaller than the River, and three outside of Kakadu considered very rare in many places first. The pectoral fins are small National Park. In 1985, two narrow where evidence is available, including compared to other sawfish species, and sawfish were observed near Marchinbar parts of India (Roy, 2010), Bangladesh are ‘‘poorly developed’’ (Ishihara et al., Island, Northern Territory. In the (Roy, 2010), Burma (FIRMS, 2007– 1991a). There is no lower lobe on the eastern Gulf of Carpentaria, four narrow 2012), Malaysia (including Borneo; caudal fin. Lateral and low keels are sawfish were observed in 1986, with Almada-Villela, 2002; Manjaji, 2002), present along the base of the tail single observations in 1987 and 1988. In Indonesia (White and Kyne, 2010), (Compagno and Last, 1999; Wueringer et 1988, a narrow sawfish was observed in al., 2009; Morgan et al., 2010a; Morgan Thailand (CITES, 2007; Compagno, Western Australia. Two narrow sawfish et al., 2011). Within the mouth are 82– 2002a; Vidthayanon, 2002), and were reported from the Gulf of 84 tooth rows on the upper jaw. The Singapore (CITES, 2007). In Australia, Carpentaria in 1990 (Blaber et al., 1994). total vertebrae number is 225–231. The narrow sawfish are primarily located in Single specimens were captured in 1991 dwarf sawfish has regularly overlapping the north. The most recent museum from the west coast of Australia monocuspidate denticles on its skin. As record for narrow sawfish in southern (Alexander, 1991), the Gulf of a result, there are no keels or furrows Australia was from New South Wales in Carpentaria in 1995 (Brewer et al., formed on the skin (Fowler, 1941; Last the 1970s (Pogonoski et al., 2002). Data 1997), and the Arafura Sea in 1999 and Stevens, 1994; Deynat, 2005). (Beveridge et al., 2005). Faria et al. from the Queensland Shark Control Habitat Use and Migration (2013) reported three rostra records from Program, conducted along the east coast private collections in Australia from of Queensland, from 1969 to 2003 show The dwarf sawfish has been found 1998–1999, but no other information on a clear decline in sawfish catch along tropical coasts in marine and the collection location was reported. (although not species-specific) with the estuarine waters, mostly from northern Narrow sawfish have been reported in complete disappearance of sawfish in Australia; it may inhabit similar habitats multiple studies between 2000 and southern regions of Queensland by 1993 in other areas. Dwarf sawfish are 2011, mostly from northern Australia. In (Stevens et al., 2005). Although we reported on mudflats in water 6 ft 7 in a bycatch reduction device study cannot rule out underreporting of to 9 ft 10 in (2 to 3 m) deep that is often conducted in 2001 in the Gulf of narrow sawfish, especially in remote turbid and influenced heavily by tides. Carpentaria, 25 narrow sawfish were areas of its historic range, we conclude Thorburn et al. (2008) reported dwarf captured in trawling gear (Brewer et al., from the consistent lack of records that sawfish occur in waters 2 to 22 ft (0.7 2006). Later in 2001, a bycatch narrow sawfish have been severely to 7 m) deep, while Stevens et al. (2008) reduction device study conducted in the depleted in numbers and their range has recorded a maximum depth of 65 ft (20 Queensland shallow-water eastern king contracted. m). This species has also been reported prawn (Penaeus plebejus) trawl fishery Natural History of Dwarf Sawfish in rivers (Last and Stevens, 1994; did not capture a single specimen (Pristis clavata) Wueringer et al., 2009; Morgan et al., (Courtney et al., 2006). The European 2010a) and as commonly occurring in Molecular Biology Lab recorded narrow Taxonomy and Morphology both brackish and freshwater, and in sawfish in 2003 in the Northern Due to its size and the geographic both marine and estuarine habitats Territory (GBIF database). A review of location where it was described, P. (Rainboth, 1996; Thorburn et al., 2008).

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For example, two dwarf sawfish were season (Larson et al., 2006), although no daughter), indicating the possibility that found 31 miles (50 km) upstream from information on pupping habitat, females are philopatric (return to their the mouth of the south Alligator River, gestation period, or litter size has been birth place). While the genetic diversity Kakadu National Park, Northern recorded (Morgan et al., 2010a). of this species is considered low to Territory, Australia in 2013 at salinities Dwarf sawfish are born between 2 ft moderate across Australia, haplotype of 0.12 and 7.64 ppt (P. Kyne, Charles 2 in and 2 ft 8 in (65 cm and 81 cm) diversity in the Gulf of Carpentaria was Darwin University, pers. comm. to S. TL (Morgan et al., 2010a; Morgan et al., very low, but was greater in the west Norton, NMFS, June 2013). 2011). Males become sexually mature compared to the east. Low diversity Juvenile dwarf sawfish may use the between 9 ft 8 in and 10 ft (295 and 306 among and within groups of dwarf estuaries associated with the Fitzroy cm) TL with fully calcified claspers, sawfish may be detrimental (Phillips et River, Australia as nursery habitat for though they may mature at smaller al., 2011). up to three years (Thorburn et al., 2008). sizes, around 8 ft 5 in (255–260 cm) TL Dwarf sawfish are also known to use the (Peverell, 2005; Thorburn et al., 2008; Distribution and Abundance Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia as nursery Last and Stevens, 2009; Morgan et al., Dwarf sawfish are thought to area in a variety of habitats (Gorham, 2011). All males captured by Thorburn historically occur in the Indo-Pacific, 2006). However, physical characteristics et al. (2008) less than 7 ft 5 in (226 cm) western Pacific, and eastern Indian such as salinity, temperature, and TL were immature; two females, both Oceans, with the population largely turbidity may limit seasonal movements smaller than 3 ft 11 in (120 cm) TL, occurring in northern Australia (Last (Blaber et al., 1989). were also immature. There is little and Stevens, 1994; Last and Compagno, specific information about sexual 2002; Compagno, 2002a; Compagno, Age and Growth maturation of females; females are 2002b; Thorburn et al., 2008; Wueringer Dwarf sawfish are considered to be considered immature at 6 ft 11 in (210 et al., 2009; Morgan et al., 2010a; Kyne small compared to other sawfishes. cm) TL (Peverell, 2005; Peverell, 2008; et al., 2013). While dwarf sawfish may Their maximum size has been reported Morgan et al., 2010a). Wueringer et al. have been historically more widespread as 4 ft 11 in (1.5 m) total length (TL) (2009) indicates that neither males nor throughout the Indo-West Pacific (Grant, 1991) and 4 ft 7 in (140 cm) TL females are mature before 7 ft 8 in (233 (Compagno and Last, 1999; Last and (Last and Stevens, 1994; Rainboth, 1996; cm) TL. Stevens, 2009), there are questions Compagno and Last, 1999). But more Intrinsic rates of population increase, regarding records outside of Australian recently, much larger sizes have been based on life history data from Peverell waters (DSEWPaC 2011; Kyne et al., reported, as high as 19.7 ft (6000 cm) TL (2008), has been estimated to be about 2013; GBIF database). (Peverell, 2005). Specimens from 0.10 per year (Moreno Iturria, 2012), In an effort to gather more information Western Australia in 2008 indicate that with a potential population doubling on the species’ historic and current females reach at least 10 ft 2 in (310 cm) time of 7.2 years. range and abundance, we conducted an TL (Morgan et al., 2010a; Morgan et al., extensive search of peer-reviewed 2011). Diet and Feeding publications and technical reports, Thorburn et al. (2008) and Peverell Dwarf sawfish, like other sawfishes, newspaper, and magazine articles. We (2008) estimated age and growth for this use their saw to stun small schooling also reviewed records from the Global species based on the number of fishes. They may also use the saw for Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) vertebral rings and total length. The rooting in the mud and sand for Database (www.gbif.com). A summary of average growth estimates for dwarf crustaceans and mollusks (Breder Jr., those findings is presented by major sawfish are 16.1 in (41cm) TL in the first 1952; Raje and Joshi, 2003; Larson et al., geographic region. year, slowing to 9.4 in (24 cm) in the 2006; Last and Stevens, 2009). In second year (Peverell 2008). Thorburn et Western Australia, the dwarf sawfish Indian Ocean al. (2008) determined that animals close eats shrimp (Natantia spp.), mullet Dwarf sawfish are considered to 3 ft (90 cm) TL were age 1, those (Mugilidae), herring (Clupeidae), and extremely rare in the Indian Ocean and between 3.5 and 4 ft (110 cm and 120 croaker (Sciaenidae) (Thorburn et al., there are few records indicating its cm) TL were age 2, and those around 5 2008; Morgan et al., 2010a). current presence (Last, 2002). Faria et al. ft (160 cm) TL were age 6. Peverell (2013) report a female from the Re´union (2008) reported dwarf sawfish between Population Structure Islands, a female from an unidentified 2 ft 11 in and 3 ft 3 in (90 and 98 cm) Phillips et al. (2011) conducted a location in the Indian Ocean, and a TL were age 0, those between 3 ft 7 in genetic study looking at mtDNA of museum record of a male from Bay of and 5 ft 9 in (110 to 175 cm) TL were dwarf sawfish and found no distinct Bengal, India. A sawfish was landed at considered 1 to 3 years old, and those difference in dwarf sawfish from a port in Arabian Peninsula (presumably between 6 ft 7 in and 8 ft (201 to 244 Western Australia and those from the caught in the Gulf of Oman or the cm) TL were considered 4 to 6 years old Gulf of Carpentaria in northern Arabian Gulf) in January of 2006. It may (Peverell, 2008). Any dwarf sawfish over Australia. The genetic diversity of this have been a dwarf sawfish, but 9 ft 10 in (300 cm) TL is considered to species was moderate overall; however, identification could not be confirmed be at least 9 years old (Morgan et al., dwarf sawfish from the Gulf of (Kyne et al., 2013). There are no reports 2010a). The theoretical maximum age Carpentaria may have a lower genetic of dwarf sawfish from Sri Lanka in more calculated from von Bertalanffy diversity than those of the west coast, than a decade, although they have been parameters for dwarf sawfish is 94 years possibly due to either a small sample assumed to occur there (Last, 2002). (Peverell, 2008). size or a reduction in abundance (Phillips et al., 2008). Further declines Indo-Pacific (excluding Australia) Reproduction in abundance as well as genetic drift Dwarf sawfish are considered very There is little information available may result in reduced genetic diversity rare in Indonesia, with only a few regarding the time or location of dwarf (Morgan et al., 2010a; 2011). records (Last, 2002). Faria et al. (2013) sawfish mating. It is hypothesized that Phillips et al. (2011) determined the compiled most reports of dwarf sawfish dwarf sawfish move into estuarine or populations of the dwarf sawfish are in Indonesia; since the first record in fresh waters to breed during the wet organized matrilineally (from mother to 1894 from Borneo, there have been two

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rostral saws in 1910 and five other sawfish was captured in 1998 in the anterior to origin of pelvic fins, and rostra without date or length upper reaches of the Keep River Estuary presence of a caudal-fin lower lobe information. There is also one museum (Larson, 1999; Gunn et al., 2010). CSIRO (Gu¨ nther, 1870; Garman, 1913; Fowler, record of a dwarf sawfish from Papua reported one dwarf sawfish in Western 1936; Poll, 1951; Dingerkus, 1983; New Guinea in 1828 (Kyne et al., 2013). Australia (GBIF Database). In 2006, the Daget, 1984; Se´ret and McEachran, Although reported historically, dwarf European Molecular Biology Lab 1986; McEachran and Fechhelm, 1998; sawfish have not been found in any reported the occurrence of three dwarf Carvalho et al., 2007). The recent other areas in the Indo-Pacific in over a sawfish in Western Australia (GBIF analysis by Faria et al. (2013) used decade. Rainboth’s (1996) guide to Database). One interaction was reported mtDNA (mitochondrial fishes of the Mekong reported a dwarf between 2007 and 2010 by observers in deoxyribonucleic acid) and sawfish from the Mekong River Basin, the Northern Territory Offshore Net and contemporary genetic analysis to argue Laos, in the early 1900s but no Line Fishery (Davies, 2010). A single that the previously classified P. pristis, specimen exists to confirm this report. specimen from Queensland P. microdon, and P. perotteti should No sawfish of any species, including the (northeastern Australia) is preserved at now be considered one species named dwarf sawfish, were reported from the the Harvard Museum of Comparative P. pristis. After reviewing Faria et al. South China Sea from 1923–1996 Zoology (Fowler, 1941). (2013) and consulting other sawfish (Compagno, 2002a). Faria et al. (2013) In a comprehensive survey of the Gulf experts, we conclude, based on the best reported on two specimens from the of Carpentaria from 2001 to 2002 available information, that P. pristis Pacific Ocean, but no specifics were (Peverell, 2005; 2008), indicated dwarf applies to all the largetooth sawfishes provided. sawfish were concentrated in the west previously identified as P. pristis, P. Australia where 12 males and 10 females were microdon, and P. perotteti. captured. Most individuals caught in The largetooth sawfish has a robust The northern coast of Australia the inshore fishery were immature rostrum, noticeably widening represents the geographic center of except for two mature males: 10 ft and dwarf sawfish range that extends from posteriorly (width between the two 9 ft 8 in (306 cm and 296 cm) TL posterior-most rostral teeth is 1.7 to 2 Cape York, Queensland west to the (Peverell, 2005; 2008). Pilbara area in Western Australia times the width between the second Within specific riverine basins in anterior-most rostral teeth). Rostral (Compagno and Last, 1999; Last and northwestern Australia, dwarf sawfish Stevens, 2009; Kyne et al., 2013). Dwarf tooth counts are between 14 and 23 per have been reported in various surveys. side with grooves on the posterior sawfish may have occurred as far south Forty-four dwarf sawfish were captured as Cairns, but reports are lacking. Most margin. The body is robust with the between October 2002 and July 2004, in origin of the first dorsal-fin anterior to records for dwarf sawfish are from the the King Sound and the Robison, May, north and northwest areas of Australia. the origin of the pelvic fin; dorsal fins and Fitzroy Rivers (Thorburn et al., The earliest record of dwarf sawfish are high and pointed with the height of 2008). Between 2001 and 2002, one in Australia is from 1877, but no the second dorsal fin greater than the specific location was recorded (Faria et dwarf sawfish was caught at the mouth first. The lower lobe of the caudal-fin is al., 2013). A single rostrum from a dwarf of the Fitzroy River in Western Australia small, but well-defined, with the lower sawfish was found in 1916, but no other (Morgan et al., 2004). Morgan et al. anterior margin about half as long as the information was recorded. In 1945, a (2011) acquired 109 rostra from dwarf upper anterior margin (Wallace, 1967; single specimen was reported from the sawfish from the King Sound area that Taniuchi et al., 1991a; Last and Stevens, Northern Territory, Australia (Stevens et were part of museum or personal 1994; Compagno and Last, 1999; Deynat, al., 2005). There is a single record of a collections. 2005; Wueringer et al., 2009; Morgan et dwarf sawfish from the Victoria River in In summary, there is some uncertainty al., 2010a; Morgan et al., 2010b; Morgan 1964 that is currently housed at the in the species identification of historic et al., 2011). The largetooth sawfish has Museum Victoria (GBIF Database). records of dwarf sawfish, however, it buccopharyngeal denticles and regularly Five female and five male dwarf appears the dwarf sawfish has become overlapping monocuspidate dermal sawfish (32 to 55 in; 82 to 140 cm TL) extirpated from much of the Indo- denticles on its skin. The denticles are were captured in 1990 in the Pentecost Pacific region and from the eastern coast present on both dorsal and ventral River using gillnets (Taniuchi and of Australia. An October 2001 study on portions of the body (Wallace, 1967; Shimizu, 1991; Taniuchi, 2002). CSIRO the effectiveness of turtle-excluder Deynat, 2005). Within the mouth, there recorded five dwarf sawfish in Western devices in the prawn trawl fishery in are between 70 and 72 tooth rows on the Australia in 1990 (GBIF Database). Queensland, Australia, reported no upper jaw, and 64 to 68 tooth rows on CSIRO also found one dwarf sawfish in dwarf sawfish (Courtney et al., 2006). the lower jaw. The number of vertebrae Walker Creek (a tributary of the Gulf of Dwarf sawfish are now considered rare is between 226 and 228 (Morgan et al., Carpentaria) in 1991 (GBIF Database). In in the Gulf of Carpentaria. It is likely the 2010a). Coloration of the largetooth 1992, one specimen was found near Kimberley region and Pilbara region sawfish is a reddish brown dorsally and Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia (Western Australia) may be the last dull white ventrally (Fowler, 1941; (GBIF Database). Between 1994 and remaining areas for dwarf sawfish (P. Wallace, 1967; Compagno et al., 1989; 2010, almost 75 tissue samples were Kyne, Charles Darwin University, pers. Taniuchi et al., 1991a; Compagno and taken from live dwarf sawfish or dried comm. to IUCN, 2012). Last, 1999; Chidlow, 2007). rostra from the Gulf of Carpentaria and Natural History of the Largetooth Male and female largetooth sawfish the northwest coast of Australia Sawfish (Pristis pristis) differ in the number of rostral teeth. (Phillips et al., 2011). In 1997, two Using largetooth sawfish teeth collected specimens were collected near the Taxonomy and Morphology from Papua New Guinea and Australia, mouth of Buffalo Creek in Darwin, Many taxonomists have suggested Ishihara et al. (1991b) found males to Northern Territory (Chisholm and classification of largetooth sawfish into have an average of 21 rostral teeth on Whittington, 2000). In 2005, Naylor et a single circumtropical species given the left and 22 on the right; females al. (2005) collected one dwarf sawfish common morphological features of averaged 19 rostral teeth on both the left from Darwin, Australia. One dwarf robust rostrum, origin of first dorsal fin and the right side of the rostrum.

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Rostrum length can vary between males (Compagno, 2002b; Gorham, 2006) and maximum size (L∞) from the von and females (Wueringer et al., 2009). can be found in areas up to 248.5 miles Bertalanffy growth equation was (400 km) upstream (Morgan et al., 2004; calculated at 11 ft 11 in (363 cm) TL Habitat Use and Migration Chidlow, 2007). The space used on a with a growth rate (K) of 0.066 per year. Largetooth sawfish are found in day to day basis by largetooth sawfish Largetooth sawfish grow around 7 in (18 coastal and inshore waters and are increases with body length (Whitty et cm) in the first year and 4 in (10 cm) considered euryhaline (Compagno et al., al., 2009). by the tenth year (Tanaka, 1991). 1989; Last and Stevens, 1994; Thorson (1982a) estimated an early Age and Growth Compagno and Last, 1999; Chisholm juvenile growth rate of 13–15 in (35 to and Whittington, 2000; Last, 2002; There are several age and growth 40 cm) per year and annual adult Compagno, 2002b; Peverell, 2005; studies for the largetooth sawfish; growth rate of 1 in (4.4 cm) per year Peverell, 2008; Wueringer et al., 2009), results vary due to differences in aging based on largetooth from Lake being found in salinities ranging from 0 techniques, data collection, or location. Nicaragua. Simpfendorfer (2000) to 40 ppt (Thorburn et al., 2007). The In Australia, largetooth sawfish are estimated the theoretical maximum size species has been found far upriver, often between 2 ft 6 in and 3 ft (76 and 91 of largetooth sawfish to be 14 ft 11 in occupying freshwater lakes and pools; cm) TL at birth, with females being (456 cm) TL with a growth rate (Brody they are associated with freshwater slightly smaller than males on average growth coefficient K) of 0.089 per year more than any other sawfish species (Chidlow, 2007; Morgan et al., 2011). based on Thorson’s (1982) data from (Last and Stevens, 1994; Rainboth, 1996; Thorson (1982) found pups at birth Lake Nicaragua. Peverell (2008) Peter and Tan, 1997; Compagno and average 2 ft 4.7 in to 2 ft 7.5 in (73–80 calculated that largetooth sawfish from Last, 1999; Larson, 1999). Largetooth cm) TL, with a growth rate of 1 ft 2 in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia grow sawfish have even been observed in to 1 ft 3 in (35–40) cm per year in Lake 1 ft 8.5 in (52 cm) in the first year and isolated fresh water billabongs or pools Nicaragua (NMFS, 2010a; Kyne and 7 in (17 cm) during the fifth year. until floodwaters allow them to escape; Feutry, 2013). Peverell (2008) found that Maximum size was estimated at 20 ft 11 juveniles often use these areas for largetooth sawfish in the Indo-West in (638 cm) TL with a growth rate multiple years as deepwater refuges Pacific are born at 2 ft 4 in to 2 ft 11 (Brody growth coefficient K) of 0.08 per (Gorham, 2006; Thorburn et al., 2007; in (72–90 cm) TL. Juveniles (age 1 to age year from the von Bertalanffy equation Wueringer et al., 2009; Morgan et al., at maturity) range in size from 2 ft 6 in (Peverell, 2008). Kyne and Feutry (2013) 2010b). Similarly, largetooth sawfish to 9 ft (76 to 277 cm) TL (Morgan et al., summarize maximum age estimates of have been found in Lake Nicaragua in 2011). 30 years in Lake Nicaragua and 35 years depths up to 400 ft (122 m) and are Size at maturity in the Western in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Based on the found in deeper holes, occupying Atlantic is estimated to be around 9 ft von Bertalanffy equation, growth slows muddy or sandy bottoms (Thorson, 10 in (300 cm) TL for both sexes at at about 35 years or 19 ft 10 in (606 cm) 1982). Adults more often use marine around age 8 (Lack et al., 2009; Morgan TL (Kyne and Feutry, 2013). habitats than juveniles, and are typically et al., 2010a; Morgan et al., 2010b; found in waters with salinity at 31 ppt NMFS, 2010; Morgan et al., 2011; Kyne Reproduction (Wueringer et al., 2009). and Feutry, 2013). Thorson (1982) Largetooth sawfish are thought to Despite the variety of habitats estimated age of maturity to be 10 years reproduce in freshwater environments occupied, females have been found to be at 9 ft 10 in (300 cm) TL in Lake (Compagno and Last, 1999; Last, 2002; highly philopatric as indicated by Nicaragua. Peverell (2008) estimated age Compagno, 2002b; Martin, 2005; mtDNA studies, while males often at maturity in the Gulf of Carpentaria to Thorburn and Morgan, 2005; Compagno undergo long movements (Lack et al., be between 8 and 10 years. In the Indo- et al., 2006b). Pupping seems to vary 2009; Phillips et al., 2009; Morgan et al., Pacific, males tend to mature earlier across the range, occurring during the 2010a; Morgan et al., 2010b; Morgan et than other regions (9 ft 2 in (280 cm)) wet season from May to July in the Indo- al., 2011). Largetooth sawfish occurred TL (Kyne and Feutry, 2013). Generally, Pacific (Raje and Joshi, 2003), and from from the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico males under 7 ft 7 in (230 cm) TL and October to December in the western south through Brazil, and in the United females under 8 ft 10 in (270 cm) TL are Atlantic and Lake Nicaragua (Thorson, States, largetooth sawfish were reported considered immature (Whitty et al., 1976a; Kyne and Feutry, 2013). in the Gulf of Mexico, mainly along the 2009; Wueringer et al., 2009). The number of pups in a largetooth Texas coast (NMFS, 2010a). Largetooth The largest recorded length of a sawfish litter varies by location, sawfish were rarely reported in U.S. largetooth sawfish is 22 ft 11 in (700 cm) possibly due to a number of factors. One waters and may have been long-distance TL (Compagno et al., 1989. The largest of the earliest reproductive studies on migrants from the Caribbean or Brazil largetooth sawfish recorded in the largetooth sawfish by Thorson (1976a) (Feldheim et al., 2011). Kimberley, Queensland measured 21 ft reported the litter sizes of 67 females The physical characteristics of habitat 6 in (656 cm) TL (Compagno and Last, ranged between 1 to 13 pups and an strongly influence the movements of, 1999). In other areas of Australia, embryonic sex ratio for this species is and areas used by, largetooth sawfish. largetooth sawfish can reach up to 15 ft 0.86 males for every 1 female. Average Recruitment of neonate largetooth (457 cm) and at least 11 ft 10 in (361 cm) number of pups is 7 (NMFS, 2010a; sawfish was correlated with the rise in TL (Fowler, 1941; Chidlow, 2007; Gunn Kyne and Feutry, 2013). Thorson water levels during the wet season in et al., 2010). Thorson (1982) estimated (1976a) also found that both ovaries Australia (Whitty et al., 2009). A study that largetooth sawfish in Lake appeared to be functional, with the left of juvenile largetooth sawfish Nicaragua only reach a maximum size of ovary producing more eggs. Estimates of movements in the Fitzroy River in about 14 ft 1 in (430 cm) TL. litter size from other studies in the Indo- Australia found young-of-the-year using Age and growth for largetooth sawfish West Pacific (e.g., Wilson, 1999; Moreno extremely shallow areas (0 to 1 ft 7 in has been estimated by Tanaka (1991) Iturria, 2012; Peverell, 2005) cannot be or 0 to 0.49 m) up to 80 percent of the who generated a von Bertalanffy growth confirmed (Kyne and Feutry, 2013). time, mostly to avoid predators model for specimens collected from Length of gestation for largetooth (Thorburn et al., 2007). Juvenile and Papua New Guinea and Australia. For sawfish is approximately five months in adult largetooth sawfish also use rivers both sexes combined, the theoretical Lake Nicaragua, with a biennial

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reproduction cycle (Thorson 1976a; basin: Atlantic, Indo-West Pacific, and at, or returning to, their birth place to NMFS 2010a; Kyne and Feutry, 2013). Eastern Pacific. There is also restricted mate (Phillips et al., 2009; Phillips, In the Indo-West Pacific, largetooth flow of genes in largetooth sawfish 2012). Phillips (2012) noted that the sawfish may reproduce every year between these geographic areas: Atlantic presence of male gene flow between (Peverell, 2008). and Indo-West Pacific; Atlantic and populations in Australian waters Intrinsic rates of population growth eastern Pacific; and Indo-West Pacific suggests that a decline of males in one vary tremendously throughout the and eastern Pacific (Faria et al. 2013). location could affect the abundance and species’ range. Simpfendorfer (2000) Genetic analyses based on a 480-base genetic diversity of assemblages in other estimated that the largetooth sawfish in pair sequencing of the mtDNA gene locations. Lake Nicaragua had an intrinsic rate of NADH–2 sequence also revealed The genetic diversity for largetooth population growth of 0.05 to 0.07 per information indicating largetooth sawfish throughout Australia seems to year, with a potential population sawfish subpopulations. West and East be low to moderate. Genetic diversity doubling time of 10.3 to 13.6 years. Atlantic subpopulations differed as did was greater in the Gulf of Carpentaria Using data from Australia, rates of samples from Australia and the wider than in Australian rivers, also population increase for the Indo-Pacific Indian Ocean. Collectively, a total of 19 suggesting potential philopatry: were estimated to be around 0.12 per haplotypes were identified across Animals return to or stay in their home year (Moreno Iturria, 2012), with a largetooth sawfish: One east Pacific range (Lack et al., 2009). Yet, given population doubling time of haplotype, 12 western Atlantic limited sampling, additional research is approximately 5.8 years and a haplotypes, two eastern Atlantic needed to better understand potential generation time of 14.6 years. Data from haplotypes, one Indian Ocean population structure of largetooth the western Atlantic Ocean indicate an haplotype, one Vietnamese-New sawfish in Australia (Lack et al., 2009; intrinsic rate of increase of 0.03 per Guinean haplotype, and two Australian Phillips et al., 2009; Morgan et al., year, with a population doubling time of haplotypes (Faria et al., 2013). This fine- 2010a; Morgan et al., 2010b). 23.3 years and a generation time of 17.2 scale structuring by haplotypes was Distribution and Abundance years (Moreno Iturria, 2012). Annual only partially corroborated by the natural mortality for the western regional variation in the number of Largetooth sawfish have the largest Atlantic has been estimated at 0.07 to rostral teeth. While the rostral tooth historical range of all sawfishes. The 0.16 (Simpfendorfer, 2000) and 0.14 to count differed significantly in largetooth species historically occurred throughout 0.15 per year (Moreno Iturria, 2012). sawfish collected from the western and the Indo-Pacific near Southeast Asia and eastern Atlantic Ocean, it did not vary Australia and throughout the Indian Diet and Feeding significantly between specimens Ocean to east Africa. Older literature Largetooth sawfish diet is collected from the Indian Ocean and notes the presence of this species in predominantly fish, but varies western Pacific (Faria et al., 2013). Zanzibar, Madagascar, India, and the depending on geographic area. Small Largetooth sawfish collected from the southwest Pacific (Fowler, 1941; fishes including seer fish, mackerels, western Atlantic specimens had a Wallace, 1967; Taniuchi et al., 2003). ribbon fish, sciaenids, and pomfrets are higher rostral teeth count than those Largetooth sawfish have also been noted likely main diet items of largetooth collected from the eastern Atlantic. Data in the Eastern Pacific Ocean from sawfish in the Indian Ocean (Devadoss, from separate protein and genetics Mexico to Ecuador (Cook et al., 2005) or 1978; Rainboth, 1996; Raje and Joshi, studies indicates some evidence of possibly Peru (Chirichigno and Cornejo, 2003). Small sharks, mollusks, and distinction among populations of 2001). In the Atlantic Ocean, largetooth crustaceans are also potential prey items largetooth sawfish in the Indo-Pacific. sawfish inhabit warm temperate to (Devadoss, 1978; Rainboth, 1996; Raje At a broad scale, Watabe (1991) found tropical marine waters from Brazil to the and Joshi, 2003). Taniuchi et al. (1991a) that there was limited genetic variability Gulf of Mexico in the western Atlantic, found small fishes and shrimp in the between samples taken from Australia and Namibia to Mauritania in the stomachs of juveniles in Lake Murray, and Papua New Guinea based on lactate eastern Atlantic (Burgess et al., 2009). Papua New Guinea, while juveniles in dehydrogenase (LDH) isozyme patterns. Given the recent taxonomic changes Western Australia had catfish, cherabin, Largetooth sawfish might be genetically for largetooth sawfish, we examined all mollusks, and insect parts in their subdivided within the Gulf of current and historic records of P. stomachs (Thorburn et al., 2007; Whitty Carpentaria, Australia, with both eastern microdon, P. perotteti, and P. pristis for et al., 2009; Morgan et al,. 2010a). and western Gulf populations (Lack et a comprehensive overview on Largetooth sawfish have also been found al., 2009). distribution and abundance. We to feed on catfish, shrimp, croaker, Phillips et al. (2011) found that the conducted an extensive search of peer- small crustaceans, croaker, and population of largetooth sawfish in the reviewed publications and technical mollusks (Chidlow, 2007; Thorburn et Gulf of Carpentaria is different from reports, newspaper, records from the al., 2007; Morgan et al., 2010a; Morgan animals on the west coast of Australia GBIF Database, and magazine articles. et al., 2010b). Largetooth sawfish (Fitzroy River) based on mtDNA. Recent The results of that search are captured off South Africa had bony fish data (Phillips, 2012) suggests that summarized below by major geographic and shellfish as common diet items matrilineal structuring is found at region. (Compagno et al., 1989; Compagno and relatively small spatial scales within the Indian Ocean Last, 1999). In general, largetooth Gulf of Carpentaria region (i.e., this sawfish subsist on the most abundant region contains more than one maternal Largetooth sawfish historically small schooling fishes in the area ‘population’), although the precise occurred throughout the Indian Ocean; (NMFS, 2010a). location and nature of population however, current records are rare for boundaries are unknown. The difference many areas. The earliest record of Population Structure in the genetic structuring using markers largetooth sawfish was in 1936 from Genetic analyses based on specific with different modes of inheritance Grand Lac near the Gulf of Aden, Indian sequences of mitochondrial DNA (maternal versus bi-parental) suggests Ocean (Kottelat, 1985). A second record indicated largetooth sawfish can be that largetooth sawfish may have male- in 1936 is from the Mangoky River, found in populations based on ocean biased dispersal and females remaining Madagascar (Taniuchi et al., 2003).

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Records from the 1960s and 1970s are Indo-Pacific Ocean (Excluding document species presence. Anecdotal largely from India and South Africa. Australia) evidence suggests that largetooth One largetooth sawfish was reported Many islands within the Indo-Pacific sawfishes have not been recorded in from the confluence of the Lundi and region contain suitable habitat for Indo-Pacific for more than 25 years Sabi Rivers, South Africa in 1960, over largetooth sawfish, but few reports are (White and Last, 2010). Largetooth 200 miles (mi) inland (Jubb, 1967). available, perhaps due to the lack of sawfish have not been recorded in the Between 1964 and 1966, several surveys or data reporting. The earliest Mekong River, Laos for decades largetooth sawfish were caught in the records of largetooth sawfish from the (Rainboth, 1996). In a comprehensive Zambesi River, South Africa during a Indo-Pacific are from a compilation study compiled by Compagno (2002a), general survey of rays and skates; study of elasmobranchs in the waters off no sawfishes were found in the South largetooth sawfish have also been Thailand that reports a largetooth China Sea between the years of 1923 recorded in the shark nets off Durban, sawfish in the Chao Phraya River and its and 1996. Data from 200 survey days at fish landing sites in eastern Indonesia South Africa (Wallace, 1967). In 1966, a tributaries in 1945 (Vidthayanon, 2002). between 2001 and 2005 recorded over male (10 ft; 305 cm TL) was captured in In 1955, two largetooth sawfish were 40,000 elasmobranchs, but only 2 a trawl net in the Gulf of Mannar, Sri captured from Lake Sentani (present day largetooth sawfish (White and Lanka (Gunn et al., 2010). Largetooth Intan Jaya, Indonesia). Juvenile largetooth sawfish have also been Dharmadi, 2007; Kyne and Feutry, sawfish were commonly caught between 2013). 1973 and 1974 in the Bay of Bengal reported around the same time in a during the wet season (July and freshwater river close to Genjem, Australia September) but rarely during other Indonesia (Boeseman, 1956). In 1956, largetooth sawfish were recorded in Australia may have a higher times of the year. Largetooth sawfish Lake Sentani (present day Intan Jaya, abundance of largetooth sawfish than were also reported in three major rivers Indonesia), (Boeseman, 1956; Thorson et other areas within the species’ current that empty into the Bay of Bengal: The al., 1966). In a study by Munro (1967) range (Thorburn and Morgan, 2005; Pennaiyar, Paravanar, and Gadilam in the Laloki River in the southeastern Field et al., 2009). Despite their current (Devadoss, 1978). portion of New Guinea, no sawfish were abundance levels, we only identified a Current reports of largetooth sawfish captured. From 1967 to 1977, five few historic records from Australia. The throughout the Indian Ocean are largetooth sawfish were captured from first record of a largetooth sawfish was isolated and rare. Largetooth sawfish the Indragiri River, Sumatra (Taniuchi, in 1945 in the Northern Territory were recorded in South Africa 1992 and 2002). The presence of largetooth (Stevens et al., 2005). There was a 1993 between Nelson Mandela Bay and sawfish in the Mahakam River, Borneo subsequent record in 1947, and two Cape Town. Eight additional was recorded in 1987 (Christensen, largetooth sawfish from the Gulf of Carpentaria, Queensland were reported observations are reported in South 1992). Three largetooth sawfish rostra in 1959 (GBIF Database). Faria et al. Africa but associated date information were acquired from local fish markets in (2013) obtained a rostrum that was was not included (GBIF database). Sabah in 1996 (Manjaji, 2002a). collected in Australia in 1960. While the species could not be Additional surveys of local fish markets Since the 1980s, we found confirmed, a survey of fishing landing indicate largetooth sawfish are still significantly more records of largetooth sites and interviews with 99 fishers in present in these areas, although locals sawfish in Australia than other regions. Kenya by Nyingi found 71 reports of have noticed a decline in their abundance (Manjaji, 2002a). In 1996, A largetooth sawfish was captured from sawfishes over the last 40 years two specimens were found in Malaysia: the Keep River, Australia in 1981 (unpublished report from Dorothy One in Palau Nangka and one in Palau (Compagno and Last, 1999). Three Wanja Nyingi to J. Carlson, NMFS, Besar (GBIF Database). largetooth sawfish were recorded in 2007). The longest time series of Multiple records of largetooth sawfish 1984 near Marchinbar Island, Northern largetooth sawfish catches is from the have occurred in areas throughout Territory (GBIF Database). Blaber et al. swimmer protection beach nets off Papua New Guinea. From 1970 to 1971, (1990) found that largetooth sawfish Natal, South Africa with a yearly Berra et al. (1975) collected five were among the top twenty-five most average capture rate of 0.2 sawfish per largetooth sawfish from the Laloki abundant species in the trawl fisheries 0.6 mi (1 km) net per year from 1981 to River, Papua New Guinea. Four of Albatross Bay from 1986 to 1988. 1990; since then only two specimens largetooth sawfish were recorded in Three largetooth sawfish were reported have been caught (CITES, 2007). 1975 from the Fly River system, Papua from the Gulf of Carpentaria, Largetooth sawfish were reported in New Guinea and one in 1979 in the Queensland: One in 1987 in Walker Cochin, India by the Central Marine northern part of Papua New Guinea near Creek, one in 1988 in the Gilbert River, Fisheries Research Institute in 1994, but new Tangu (GBIF Database). In a survey and one in 1991 in Marrakai Creek, a no information about location, size, or of the Fly River system, Papua New tributary of the Adelaide River, number of animals is available (Dan et Guinea, 23 individuals were captured in Northern Territory (GBIF Database). al., 1994). Commercial landings of 1978 (Roberts, 1978; Taniuchi and Eight individuals were captured in the elasmobranchs from 1981 to 2000 in the Shimizu, 1991; Taniuchi et al., 1991b; Leichhardt River in 2008 (Morgan et al., Bay of Bengal were mostly rays with Taniuchi, 2002). There are two reports 2010b). In a preliminary survey of the some largetooth sawfish (Raje and Joshi, of largetooth sawfish in the 1980s in McArthur River, Northern Territory, 2003). In the Betsiboka River, Papua New Guinea: One in 1987 and Gorham (2006) reported two largetooth sawfish captured between 2002 and Madagascar, four largetooth sawfish one in 1988 (GBIF Database). More 2006. Surveys (Peverell, 2005; Gill et al., were caught in 2001. The most recent recently, 36 largetooth sawfish were captured in September 1989 in Papua 2006; Peverell, 2008) in the Gulf of capture of a largetooth sawfish (18 ft; New Guinea (Taniuchi and Shimizu, Carpentaria found largetooth sawfish 550 cm TL) in India occurred on January 1991; Taniuchi, 2002). widely distributed throughout the 18, 2011, between Karnataka and Goa The scarcity of records from Indo- eastern portion of the Gulf with most (www.mangalorean.com). Pacific led to an increased effort to catches occurring near the mouth of

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many rivers (Mitchell, et al., 2005; Colombia; and in the Rio Goascoran, of Mexico; Las Lagunas Del Tortuguero, 2008). along the border of El Salvador and Rio Parismina, Rio Pacuare, and Rio Juvenile largetooth sawfish in Honduras (Fowler, 1936, 1941; Beebe Matina, Costa Rica; and the Rio San Australia use the Fitzroy River and and Tee-Van, 1941; Bigelow and Juan and the Magdalena River, other tributaries of King Sound (Morgan Schroeder, 1953; Thorson et al., 1966a; Colombia (Thorson, 1974, 1982b; et al., 2004) as nursery areas while Dahl, 1971; Thorson, 1974, 1976, 1982a, Castro-Augiree, 1978 as cited in adults are found more often offshore 1982b, 1987; Compagno and Cook, 1995; Thorson, 1982b; Compagno and Cook, (Morgan et al., 2010a). In Western all as cited in Cook et al., 2005). There 1995; C. Scharpf and M. McDavitt, Australia, besides the Fitzroy River and are 4 records of largetooth sawfish south National Legal Research Group, Inc., as King Sound, the only other areas where of Purto Vallarta, Mexico in 1975, and cited in Cook et al., 2005). juvenile sawfish have been recently several reports from Panama with no In the United States, largetooth recorded are in Willie Creek and associated dates (GBIF Database). The sawfish were reported in the Gulf of Roebuck Bay (Gill et al., 2006; Morgan only recent reports of largetooth sawfish Mexico mainly along the Texas coast et al., 2011). Nursery areas for largetooth in this area are anecdotal reports from east into Florida waters, though nearly sawfish are also reported in northern Colombia, Nicaragua, and Panama (R. all records of largetooth sawfish Australia in the Gulf of Carpentaria Graham, Wildlife Conservation Society, encountered in U.S. waters were limited (Gorham, 2006). Juvenile largetooth pers. comm. to IUCN, 2012). to the Texas coast (NMFS, 2010a). sawfish have been captured within the Though reported in the United States, it Adelaide River, Australia in 2013 (P. Western Atlantic Ocean appears that largetooth sawfish were Kyne, Charles Darwin University, pers. In the western Atlantic Ocean, never abundant, with approximately 39 comm., 2013). Abundance estimates for largetooth sawfish were widely confirmed records (33 in Texas) from the largetooth sawfish from areas that distributed throughout the marine and 1910 through 1961. support higher human populations may estuarine waters in tropical and The Amazon River basin and adjacent be declining (Taniuchi and Shimizu, subtropical climates and historically waters are traditionally the most 1991; Taniuchi et al., 1991a; Morgan et found from Brazil through the abundant known range of largetooth al., 2010a). Whitty et al. (2009) found Caribbean, Central America, the Gulf of sawfish in Brazil (Bates, 1964; Marlier, that the population of juvenile Mexico, and seasonally into waters of 1967; Furneau, 1969). Most of the largetooth sawfish in the Fitzroy River the United States (Burgess et al., 2009). records for which location is known had declined; catch per unit effort was Largetooth sawfish also occurred in originated in the state of Amazonas, 56.7 sawfish per 100 hours in 2003 freshwater habitats in Central and South which encompasses the middle section compared to 12.4 in 2009. There were America. Throughout the Caribbean Sea, of the Amazon River basin along with no reported captures of largetooth the historical presence of the largetooth the confluence of the Rio Negro and Rio sawfish in 2008 from the Roper River sawfish is uncertain and early records Solimoes Rivers. The other known system, which drains into the western might have been misidentified locations are from the states of Rio Gulf of Carpentaria, Northern Territory smalltooth sawfish (G. Burgess, Florida Grande do Norte, Sergipe, Bahia, (Dally and Larson, 2008). No adult Museum of Natural History, pers. Espirito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, Sao sawfish were captured in any of the comm. to IUCN, 2012). Paulo, Para, and Maranhao (NMFS, prawn trawl fisheries in Queensland, Historic records of largetooth sawfish 2010a). Most records of largetooth Australia during the month of October in the western north Atlantic have been sawfish in the Amazon River 2001 (Courtney et al., 2006). previously reported in NMFS (2010a). (Amazonia) predate 1974. The Outside the northern and western Sawfish were documented in Central Magdalena River estuary was the areas of Australia, largetooth sawfish do America in Nicaragua as early as 1529 primary source for largetooth sawfish occur but reports are less frequent. In by a Spanish chronicler (Gill and encounters in Colombia from the 1940’s southwestern Australian waters, one Bransford, 1877). This species was also (Miles, 1945), while other records female sawfish was captured by a historically reported in Nicaragua by originated from the Bahia de Cartagena commercial shark fisherman in February Meek (1907), Regan (1908), Marden and Isla de Salamanca (both marine), 2003 east of Cape Naturaliste (Chidlow, (1944), Bigelow and Schroeder (1953) and Rio Sinu (freshwater) from the 2007). Data from the Queensland, and Hagberg (1968). Five largetooth 1960’s through the 1980’s (Dahl, 1964; Australia Shark Control Program shows sawfish were reported from a survey of 1971; Frank and Rodriguez, 1976; a clear decline in sawfish catch over a Lake Izabal, Guatemala from 1946 to Alvarez and Blanco, 1985). In other 30 year period from the 1960s, and the 1947, and sawfishes were reported to be areas of South America, there are only complete disappearance of sawfish in important to inland fisheries (Saunders single records from Guyana, French southern regions by 1993 (Stevens et al., et al., 1950). There is a single largetooth Guiana, and Trinidad from the late 2005). sawfish report from Honduras, but the 1800’s and early 1900’s. Of the 5 records true origin of the rostrum and the date from Suriname, the most recent was Eastern Pacific of capture could not be confirmed 1962. Though thought to have once been In the eastern Pacific, the historic (NMFS, 2010a). abundant in some areas of Venezuela range of largetooth sawfish was from In Atlantic drainages, largetooth (Cervignon, 1966a, 1966b), the most Mazatlan, Mexico to Guayaquil, Ecuador sawfish has been found in freshwater at recent confirmed records of largetooth (Cook et al., 2005) or possibly Peru least 833 miles (1,340 km) from the sawfish from that country was in 1962. (Chirichigno and Cornejo, 2001). There ocean in the Amazon River system Many records in the 1970’s and 1980’s is very little information on the (Manacapuru, Brazil), as well as in Lake are largely due to Thorson’s (1982a, population status in this region and few Nicaragua and the San Juan River; the 1982b) research on the Lake Nicaragua- reports of capture records. The species Rio Coco, on the border of Nicaragua Rio San Juan system in Nicaragua and has been reported in freshwater in the and Honduras; Rio Patuca, Honduras; Costa Rica. Bussing (2002) indicated Tuyra, Culebra, Tilapa, Chucunaque, Lago de Izabal, Rio Motagua, and Rio that this species was known to inhabit Bayeno, and Rio Sambu Rivers, and at Dulce, Guatemala; and the Belize River, the Rio Tempisque and tributaries of the the Balboa and Miraflores locks in the Belize. Largetooth sawfish are found in San Juan basin in Costa Rica. Following Panama Canal, Panama; in Rio San Juan, Mexican streams that flow into the Gulf Thorson’s (1982a, 1982b) studies,

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records of largetooth sawfish in the A more recent status review by and 23–30 right rostral teeth (Morgan et western North Atlantic decline Ballouard et al. (2006) reported that al., 2010a), although other reports are considerably. By 1981, Thorson (1982a) sawfishes, including the largetooth 23–34 (Morgan et al., 2011). There have was unable to locate a single live sawfish, were once common from been no studies to determine sexual specimen in the original areas he Mauritania to the Republic of Guinea, dimorphism from rostral tooth counts surveyed. There are no known but are now rarely captured or for green sawfish. The rostral teeth are Nicaraguan records of the largetooth encountered. According to this report, generally denser near the base of the sawfish outside of the Lake Nicaragua- the range of sawfishes has decreased to saw than at the apical part of the saw Rio San Juan-Rio Colorado system the Bissagos Archipelago (Guinea (Blegvad and Loppenthin, 1944). The (Burgess et al., 2009), although Bissau). The most recent sawfish total rostrum length is between 20.6– largetooth sawfish are still captured encounters outside Guinea Bissau were 29.3 percent of the total length of the incidentally by fishers netting for other in the 1990’s in Mauritania, Senegal, animal and may vary based on the species (McDavitt, 2002). Of the known Gambia, and the Republic of Guinea. number and size of individuals. In largetooth sawfish reported from The most recent documented largetooth general, green sawfish have a greater Mexico, most records are prior to 1978 sawfish capture was from 2005 in Nord rostrum length to total length ratio than (NMFS, 2010a). Caribbean records are de Caravela (Guinea Bissau), along with other sawfish species (Morgan et al., very sparse (NMFS, 2010a). The last anecdotal accounts from fishers of 2010a, 2011). record of a largetooth sawfish in U.S. captures off of two islands in the same In terms of body morphology, the waters was in 1961 (Burgess et al., area in 2008 (Burgess et al., 2009). origin of the first dorsal fin on green 2009). In summary, on a global scale, sawfish is slightly posterior to the origin Most recent records for largetooth largetooth sawfish appear to have been of pelvic fins. The lower caudal lobe is sawfish are in isolated areas. While severely fragmented throughout their not well defined and there is no many reports of largetooth sawfish from historic range into isolated populations subterminal notch (Gloerfelt-Tarp and Brazil were from the 1980’s and 1990’s of low abundance. Largetooth sawfish Kailola, 1984; Compagno et al., 1989; (Lessa, 1986; Martins-Juras et al., 1987; are now considered very rare in many Last and Stevens, 1994; Compagno and Stride and Batista, 1992; Menni and places where evidence is available, Last, 1999; Bonfil and Abdallah, 2004; Lessa, 1998; and Lessa et al., 1999), including parts of East Africa, India, Wueringer et al., 2009; Morgan et al., recent records indicate largetooth parts of the Indo-Pacific region, Central 2010a; Morgan et al., 2011). The green sawfish are primarily found in fish and South America and West Africa. sawfish has limited buccopharyngeal markets near the Amazon-Orinoco Even within areas like Australia and denticles and regularly overlapping estuaries (Charvet-Almeida, 2002; Brazil, the species is primarily located monocuspidate dermal denticles on its Burgess et al., 2009). A Lake Nicaragua in remote areas. Information from skin. As a result, there are no keels or fisherman reports he encounters a few genetic studies indicates that largetooth furrows formed on the skin (Deynat, sawfish annually (McDavitt, 2002). sawfish display strong sex-biased 2005). The green sawfish is greenish Other records are rare for the area. Three dispersal patterns; with females brown dorsally and white ventrally. recent occurrences were found in exhibiting patterns of natal philopatry This species might be confused with the Internet searches, one being a 200 lb. while males move more broadly dwarf or smalltooth sawfish due to its (90.7 kg) specimen caught recreationally between populations (Phillips et al., similar size and range (Compagno et al., in Costa Rica (Burgess et al., 2009). 2011). Thus, the opportunity for re- 2006c). Though reported by Thorson et al. establishment of these isolated Habitat Use and Migration (1966a, 1966b) to be common populations is limited because any throughout the area, there are no recent The green sawfish mostly uses reduction in female abundance in one inshore, marine habitats, but it has been reports of encounters with sawfishes in region is not likely to be replenished by Guatemala. Scientists in Colombia have found in freshwater environments movement from another region (Gloerfelt-Tarp and Kailola, 1984; not reported any sawfish sightings (Phillips, 2012). between 1999 and 2009 (Burgess et al., Compagno et al., 1989; Compagno, 2009). Natural History of Green Sawfish 2002b; Stevens et al., 2008; Wueringer (Pristis zijsron) et al., 2009). In the Gilbert and Walsh Eastern Atlantic Ocean Rivers of Queensland, Australia, Historic records indicate that Taxonomy and Morphology specimens have been captured as far as largetooth sawfish were once relatively Pristis zijsron (Bleeker, 1851) is 149 miles (240 km) upriver (Grant, common in the coastal estuaries along frequently known as the narrowsnout 1991). However, Morgan et al. (2010a, the west coast of Africa. Verified records sawfish or the green sawfish. 2011) report green sawfish do not move exist from Senegal (1841–1902), Gambia Synonymous names include P. dubius into freshwater for any portion of their (1885–1909), Guinea-Bissau (1912), (Gloerfelt-Tarp and Kailola, 1984; Van lifecycle. Like most sawfishes, the green Republic of Guinea (1965), Sierra Leone Oijen et al., 2007; Wueringer et al., sawfish prefers muddy bottoms in (date unknown), Liberia (1927), Coˆte 2009). An alternative spelling for this estuarine environments (Last, 2002). d’Ivoire (1881–1923), Congo (1951– species’ scientific name (P. zysron) is The maximum depth recorded for this 1958), Democratic Republic of the found in older literature, due to either species is 131 ft (40 m) but it is often Congo (1951–1959), and Angola (1951). inconsistent writing or errors in found in much shallower waters, Most records, however, lacked species translation or transcription (Van Oijen around 16 ft (5 m; Compagno and Last, identification and locality data and may et al., 2007). 1999; Wueringer et al., 2009). Adults have been confused taxonomically with The green sawfish has a narrow saw tend to spend more time in offshore other species. Unpublished notes from a with 25–32 small, slender rostral teeth; waters in Australia, as indicated by 1950’s survey detail 12 largetooth tooth count may vary geographically interactions with the offshore Pilbara sawfish from Mauritania, Senegal, (Marichamy, 1969; Last and Stevens, Fish Trawl Fishery, while juveniles Guinea, Coˆte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria, 1994; Morgan et al., 2010a). Specimens prefer protected, inshore waters ranging in size from 35–275 in (89–700 collected along the west coast of (Morgan et al., 2010a; Morgan et al., cm) TL (Burgess et al., 2009). Australia have 24–30 left rostral teeth 2011).

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Age and Growth between One Arm Point and Whim records indicating species presence are At birth pups are between 2 ft and 2 Creek, with limited data for all other available from India, Southeast Asia, ft 7 in (61 and 80 cm) TL. At age 1 green areas (Morgan et al., 2010a; Morgan et Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, New sawfish are generally around 4 ft 3 in al., 2011). The Gulf of Carpentaria, South Wales, and Australia (Cavanagh (130 cm) TL (Morgan et al., 2010a). Australia is also a known nursery area et al., 2003; Wueringer et al., 2009; Peverell (2008) found between ages 1 for green sawfish (Gorham, 2006). It is Morgan et al., 2010a; Morgan et al., 2011). Green sawfish have also been and 5, green sawfish measure between not known where the green sawfish breed or their length of gestation. found in South Africa, the South China 4 ft 2 in and 8 ft 5 in (128 and 257 cm) Sea, and the Persian Gulf (Fowler, 1941; TL, based on the vertebral analysis of 6 Diet and Feeding Compagno et al., 1989; Grant, 1991; individuals (Peverell, 2008; Morgan et Like other sawfish, green sawfish use Compagno and Last, 1999; Last, 2002; al., 2010a; Morgan et al., 2011). A 12 ft their rostra to stun small, schooling Compagno, 2002b; Morgan et al., 6 in (380 cm) TL green sawfish was fishes, such as mullet, or use it to dig 2010a). To evaluate the current found to be age 8, a 14 ft 4 in (438 cm) up benthic prey, including mollusks distribution and abundance of the green TL individual was found to be age 10, and crustaceans (Breder Jr., 1952; sawfish, we conducted an extensive a 14 ft 9 in (449 cm) TL specimen was Rainboth, 1996; Raje and Joshi, 2003; search of peer-reviewed publications found to be age 16, and a 15 ft (482 cm) Compagno et al., 2006c; Last and and technical reports, newspaper, TL specimen was found to be age 18 Stevens, 2009). One specimen captured magazine articles, and the GBIF (Peverell, 2008; Morgan et al., 2011). in 1967 in the Indian Ocean had jacks Database. The results are summarized Adult green sawfish often reach 16 ft and razor fish (Caranx and Centriscus) by geographic area. 5 in (5 m) TL, but may grow as large as species in its stomach (Marichamy, 23 ft (7 m) TL (Compagno et al., 1989; 1969). In Australia, the diet of this Indian Ocean Grant, 1991; Last and Stevens, 1994; species often includes shrimp, croaker, Green sawfish are widely distributed Compagno and Last, 1999; Bonfil and salmon, glassfish, grunter, and ponyfish throughout the Indian Ocean with the Abdallah, 2004; Compagno et al., 2006c; (Morgan et al., 2010a). first record coming from Saudi Arabia in Morgan et al., 2010a). The largest green 1830 (GBIF Database). An additional sawfish collected in Australia was Population Structure record was reported from the Indian estimated to be 19 ft 8 in (600 cm) TL Faria et al. (2013) found no global Ocean in the 1850s (GBIF Database). based on a rostrum length of 5 ft 5 in population structure for green sawfish Several green sawfish were described (165.5 cm; Morgan et al., 2010a; Morgan in their genetic studies. However, near the Indian archipelago in the late et al., 2011). geographical variation was found in the 1800s (Van Oijen et al., 2007). Peverell (2008) completed an age and number of rostral teeth per side, Additional historical records include growth study for green sawfish using suggesting some population structure one female specimen captured in the vertebral growth bands. Von Bertalanffy may occur. Green sawfish from the Red Sea near Dollfus in 1929. In Egypt, growth model parameters from both Indian Ocean have a higher number of two green sawfish rostra were found in sexes combined resulted in estimated rostral teeth per side than those from 1938, and an additional rostrum was maximum theoretical size of 16 ft (482 western Pacific specimens (Faria et al., found on Henjam Island, Gulf of Oman cm) TL, relative growth rate of 0.12 per 2013). (Blegvad and Loppenthin, 1994). year and theoretical time at zero length In Australia, genetic analysis found Unconfirmed reports of green sawfish of 1.12 yrs. The theoretical maximum differences in green sawfish between the are available from the Andaman and age for this species is calculated to be west coast, the east coast, and the Gulf Nicobar Islands, India. In 1963, a male 53 years (Peverell, 2008; Morgan et al., of Carpentaria (Phillips et al., 2011). was captured at Port Blair, Gulf of 2010a). Genetic data suggests these populations Andaman (James, 1973). A female was Reproduction are structured matrilineally (from the captured in 1967, in the same area mother to daughter) but there is no (Marichamy, 1969). One green sawfish Last and Stevens (2009) reported size information on male gene flow at this was captured in the St. Lucia estuary, at maturity for green sawfish at 9 ft 10 time. These results may be indicative of South Africa during a survey between in (300 cm) TL, corresponding to age 9. philopatry where adult females return to 1975 and 1976 (Whitfield, 1999). In In contrast, Peverell (2008) reported one or remain in the same area they were 1984, a green sawfish was observed in mature individual of 12 ft 4 in (380 cm) born (Morgan et al., 2010a; Morgan et Trafalgar, South Africa (GBIF Database). TL and estimated its age as 9 yrs. Using al., 2011; Phillips et al., 2011). Phillips Despite historic records, there are few the growth function from Peverell et al. (2011) also found low levels of current records of green sawfish in the (2008) and assuming length of maturity genetic diversity for green sawfish in the Indian Ocean. There are some reports of at 118 in (300 cm), Moreno Iturria Gulf of Carpentaria, suggesting the green sawfish from Iraq, Iran, South (2012) determined maturation is likely population may have undergone a Africa, and Pakistan, but no dates are to occur at age 5. Demographic models genetic bottleneck. available (GBIF Database). We presume based on life history data from the Gulf green sawfish are extremely rare or Distribution and Abundance of Carpentaria indicate the generation extirpated in the Indian Ocean based on time is 14.6 years, the intrinsic rate of The green sawfish historically ranged the lack of current records. population increase is 0.02 per year, and throughout the Indo-West Pacific from population doubling time is South Africa northward along the east Indo-Pacific Ocean (Excluding approximately 28 years (Moreno Iturria, coast of Africa, through the Red Sea, Australia) 2012). Persian Gulf, Southern Asia, Indo- The first description of the green Green sawfish give birth to as many Australian archipelago, and east to Asia sawfish was based on a rostral saw as 12 pups during the wet season as far north as Taiwan and Southern (Bleeker, 1851) from Bandjarmasin, (January through July); Last and China (Fowler, 1941; Blegvad and Borneo (Van Oijen et al., 2007). A Stevens, 1994; Peverell, 2008; Morgan et L

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was obtained in 1895 and estimated to sawfish in Australia: two from the record the green sawfish (White pers. be from a green sawfish 4 ft 8 in (143 Northern Territory, and one from the comm. to IUCN, 2012). There is some cm) TL (Deynat, 2005). Eight specimens Gulf of Carpentaria (GBIF Database). A evidence from the Persian Gulf and Red were sent to the Wistar Institute of green sawfish was observed in the Gulf Sea (e.g., Sudan) of small but extant Anatomy in 1898 from Baram, British of Carpentaria in 1981 by CSIRO. Two populations (A. Moore, RSK North Borneo (Fowler, 1941). One green were observed in Western Australia, one Environment Ltd., pers. comm. to IUCN, sawfish was reported from East Sepik, in 1982 and one in 1983 (GBIF 2012). Green sawfish are currently Papua New Guinea in 1929 (GBIF Database). Two green sawfish were found primarily along the northern Database). In 1940, a green sawfish captured from Balgal, Queensland, coast of Australia, but all sawfish specimen was collected from Australia in 1985 (Beveridge and species have undergone significant Zamboanga, Philippines (GBIF Campbell, 2005). In the Gulf of declines in Australian waters. The Database). Carpentaria, two green sawfish were southern extent of the range of green Many islands within the Indo-Pacific recorded in 1986, and one was recorded sawfishes in Australia has contracted region contain suitable habitat for in 1987 (GBIF Database). (Harry et al., 2011). Green sawfish have sawfish, but few records are available, One green sawfish was caught in the been reported as far south as Sydney, possibly due to the lack of surveys or southern portion of the Gulf of New South Wales, but are rarely found data reporting. Before 1995, there were Carpentaria in late 1990 during a fish as far south as Townsville, Queensland few local scientific studies on fauna survey (Blaber et al., 1994). (Porteous, 2004). elasmobranchs, and only two species of Alexander (1991) captured a female freshwater rays had been recorded in green sawfish from the west coast of Natural History of the Non-Listed Borneo. As a result, a great effort to Australia that was used for a Population(s) of Smalltooth Sawfish Pristis pectinata document any unknown species was morphological study. Between 1994 and ( ) undertaken by Fowler (2002). Rostra 2010, almost 50 tissue samples were This section includes information and records were documented in the taken from live green sawfish or dried from the listed U.S. DPS of smalltooth study, including several dried rostra of rostra from multiple areas around sawfish. The U.S. DPS of smalltooth green sawfish from the Kinabatangan Australia, primarily the Gulf of sawfish was listed as endangered on River area in the local markets of Sabah, Carpentaria and northwest and April 1, 2003 (68 FR 15674). The basis Borneo; no collection specifics were northeast coasts (Phillips et al., 2011). In of the U.S. DPS smalltooth sawfish provided. Locals also indicated that this 1997, one green sawfish was found at listing was the significant differences in species could often be found in the the mouth of Buffalo Creek near Darwin, management across international Labuk Bay area (Manjaji, 2002a) and in Northern Territory (Chisholm and borders. We discuss information from the country’s freshwater systems Whittington, 2000). In a survey from the U.S. DPS of smalltooth sawfish here (Manjaji, 2002b); they also reported a 1999 through 2001 by White and Potter, because there is very little basic decline of sawfish populations overall. (2004), one green sawfish was captured biological information on smalltooth Elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific region, in Shark Bay, Queensland. In 1999, one sawfish found outside the U.S. We few records of green sawfish have been green sawfish was captured by CSIRO believe the information from the U.S. reported. This species is currently from the Gulf of Carpentaria (GBIF DPS is likely representative of the non- considered endangered in Thailand by Database). Peverell (2005, 2008) noted U.S. population of smalltooth sawfish Vidthayanon (2002) and Compagno the green sawfish was one of the least and is useful for understanding its (2002a); they also reported no sawfish encountered species in a survey from biology and extinction risk. species from the South China Sea from the Gulf of Carpentaria. In 2004, one Taxonomy and Morphology 1923 to 1996. Anecdotal evidence green sawfish was reported near suggests that sawfishes have not been Darwin, Northern Territory by the The smalltooth sawfish was first recorded in Indonesia for more than 25 European Molecular Biology Lab (GBIF described as Pristis pectinatus, Latham years (White and Last, 2010). Several Database). No green sawfish were 1794. The name was changed to the reports of green sawfish exist from captured from the Roper River system in currently valid P. pectinata to match Malaysia, Indonesia, and New Zealand 2008, which drains into the western gender of the genus and species as without any associated dates (GBIF Gulf of Carpentaria, Northern Territory required by the International Code of Database). (Dally and Larson, 2008). Some records Zoological Nomenclature. The smalltooth sawfish has a thick Australia have been reported for the east coast of Australia; one female green sawfish was body with a moderately sized rostrum. In Australian waters, the earliest acoustically tracked for 27 hours in May As with many other sawfishes, tooth museum collection of the green sawfish 2004 (Peverell and Pillans, 2004; count varies by individual or region. was in 1913 in Llyod Bay, Queensland, Porteous, 2004). Peverell (2005, 2008) While there is no reported difference in Australia (GBIF Database). The noted the green sawfish was one of the rostral tooth count between sexes, there Queensland Museum houses a green least encountered species in a survey have been reports of sexual dimorphism sawfish specimen collected in 1929 that from the Gulf of Carpentaria. in tooth shape, with males having was found in Moreton Bay, Queensland In summary, limited data makes it broader teeth than females (Wueringer (Fowler, 1941). Two records exist of difficult to determine the current range et al., 2009). Rostral teeth are denser green sawfish collected in 1936 from and abundance of green sawfish. near the apex of the saw than the base. Adeliade, South Australia (GBIF Nonetheless, given the uniqueness (size Most studies report a rostral tooth count Database). We found very few records and physical characteristics) of the of 25 to 29 for smalltooth sawfish for green sawfish during the middle part sawfish, we believe the lack of records (Wueringer et al., 2009). The saw may of the last century. In the late 1970s and in the areas where the species was constitute up to one-fourth of the total 1980s, reports of green sawfish began to historically found indicates the species body length (McEachran and De occur again. In 1978, green sawfish were is no longer present or has declined to Carvalho, 2002). recorded in the Western Territory by extremely low levels. Extensive surveys The pectoral fins are broad and long CSIRO (GBIF Database). There are at fish landing sites throughout with the origin of the first dorsal fin multiple observations in 1980 of green Indonesia since 2001 have failed to over or anterior to the origin of the

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pelvic fins (Faria et al., 2013). The lower foraging. Using a combination of data estimated intrinsic rates of increase at caudal lobe is not well defined and from pop-off archival transmitting tags seven percent annually with a lacks a ventral lobe (Wallace, 1967; across multiple institutional programs, population doubling time of 9.7 years. Gloerfelt-Tarp and Kailola, 1984; Last movements and habitat use of adult However, preliminary results of a and Stevens, 1994; Compagno and Last, smalltooth sawfish were determined in different model by Carlson et al. (2012) 1999; Bonfil and Abdallah, 2004; southern Florida and the Bahamas indicates population increase rates may Wueringer et al., 2009). This species has (Carlson et al., 2013). Smalltooth be greater, up to 17.6 percent annually, between 228 and 232 vertebrae sawfish generally remained in coastal for the U.S. population of smalltooth (Wallace, 1967). waters at shallow depths less than 32 ft; sawfish. It is not clear which of these The smalltooth sawfish has (10 m) for more than 96 percent of the models is more appropriate for the non- buccopharyngeal denticles and regularly time that they were monitored. U.S. population of smalltooth sawfish. overlapping monocuspidate (single- Smalltooth sawfish also remained in Diet and Feeding pointed) dermal denticles on their skin. warm water temperatures of 71.6 to 82.4 As a result, there are no keels or furrows degrees Fahrenheit (22 to 28 degrees Smalltooth sawfish often use their formed on the skin (Last and Stevens, Celsius) within the region where they rostrum saw in a side-sweeping motion 1994; Deynat, 2005). The body is an were initially tagged. Tagged smalltooth to stun their prey, which may include olive grey color dorsally, with a white sawfish traveled an average of 49 mi small fishes, or to dig up invertebrates ventral surface (Compagno et al., 1989; (80.2 km) from deployment to pop-off from the bottom (Breder Jr., 1952; Last and Stevens, 1994; Compagno and location during an average of 95 days. Compagno et al., 1989; Rainboth, 1996; Last, 1999). This species may be No smalltooth sawfish tagged in U.S. or McEachran and De Carvalho, 2002; Raje confused with the narrow or green Bahamian waters have been tracked to and Joshi, 2003; Last and Stevens, 2009; sawfish (Compagno, 2002b). countries outside where they were Wueringer et al., 2009). Habitat Use and Migration tagged. Population Structure All research on habitat use and Age and Growth A qualitative examination of genetic migration has been conducted on the There is no age and growth data for sequences revealed no geographical U.S. DPS of smalltooth sawfish. A smalltooth sawfish outside of the U.S. structuring of smalltooth sawfish summary of recent information (NMFS, DPS. A summary of age and growth data haplotypes; however, variation in the 2010b) indicates smalltooth sawfish are on the U.S. DPS of smalltooth sawfish number of rostral teeth per side was generally found in shallow waters with (NMFS, 2010b) indicates rapid juvenile found in specimens from the western varying salinity level that are associated growth for smalltooth sawfish for the and eastern Atlantic Ocean (Faria et al., with red mangroves (Rhizophora first two years after birth. Recently, 2013). mangle). Juvenile sawfish appear to Scharer et al. (2012) counted bands on Distribution and Abundance have small home ranges and limited sectioned vertebrae from naturally movements. Simpfendorfer et al. (2011) deceased smalltooth sawfish and Smalltooth sawfish were thought to be reported smalltooth sawfish have an estimated von Bertalanffy growth historically found in South Africa, affinity for salinities between 18 and at parameters. Theoretical maximum size Madagascar, the Red Sea, Arabia, India, least 24 ppt, suggesting movements are was estimated at 14.7 ft (4.48 m), the Philippines, along the coast of West likely made, in part, to remain within relative growth was 0.219 per year, with Africa, portions of South America this salinity range. Therefore, freshwater theoretical maximum size at 15.8 years. including Brazil, Ecuador, the Caribbean flow may affect the location of Sea, the Mexican Gulf of Mexico, as individuals within an estuary. Poulakis Reproduction well as Bermuda (Bigelow and et al. (2011) found juvenile smalltooth In the eastern Atlantic Ocean, Scheroder, 1953; Wallace, 1967; Van der sawfish had an affinity for water less smalltooth sawfish have been recorded Elst 1981; Compagno et al., 1989; Last than 3 ft (1.0 m) deep, water breeding in Richard’s Bay and St. Lucia, and Stevens, 1994; IUCN, 1996; temperatures greater than 86 degrees South Africa (Wallace, 1967; Compagno Compagno and Last, 1999; McEachran Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius), et al., 1989; Compagno and Last, 1999). and De Carvalho, 2002; Monte-Luna et dissolved oxygen greater than 6 mg per Pupping grounds are usually inshore, in al., 2009; Wueringer et al., 2009). Yet, liter, and salinity between 18 and 30 marine or fresh water. Pupping occurs reports of smalltooth sawfish from other ppt. Greater catch rates for smalltooth year-around in the tropics, but in only than the Atlantic Ocean are likely sawfish less than 1 year old were spring and summer at higher latitudes misidentifications of other sawfish associated with shoreline habitats with (Compagno and Last, 1999). Records of (Faria et al., 2013). The lack of overhanging vegetation such as captive breeding have been reported confirmed reports of smalltooth sawfish mangroves. Poulakis et al. (2012) further from the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort from areas other than the Atlantic Ocean determined daily activity space of Aquarium in Nassau, Bahamas; indicates that smalltooth sawfish are smalltooth sawfish is less than 1 mi (0.7 copulatory behavior was observed in only found in the Atlantic Ocean. In the km) of river distance. Hollensead (2012) 2003 and six months later the female eastern Atlantic Ocean, smalltooth reported smalltooth sawfish activity aborted the pups for unknown reasons sawfish were historically found along areas ranged in size from 837 square (McDavitt, 2006). In October 2012, a the west coast of Africa from Angola to yards to 240,000 square yards to female sawfish gave birth to five live Mauritania (Faria et al., 2013). Although approximately 3 million square yards pups at the Atlantis Paradise Island smalltooth sawfish were included in (0.0007 to 2.59 km2) with average range Resort Aquarium in Nassau, Bahamas (J. historic faunal lists of species found in of movements of 2.3 yards to 6.67 yards Choromanski, Ripley’s Entertainment the Mediterranean Sea (Serena, 2005), it (2.4 to 6.1 m) per minute. Hollensead pers. comm to NMFS, 2013). is still unclear if smalltooth sawfish (2012) also found no difference in Several studies have examined occurred as part of the Mediterranean activity area or range of movement demography of smalltooth sawfish in ichthyofauna or were only seasonal between ebb and flood, or high and low U.S. waters. Moreno Iturria (2012) migrants. tide. Smalltooth sawfish movements at calculated demographic parameters for To evaluate the current and historic night suggest possible nocturnal smalltooth sawfish in U.S. waters and distribution and abundance of the

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smalltooth sawfish outside the U.S. Africa, in 2003 (M. Diop, pers. comm. to The Caribbean Sea may have greater DPS, we conducted an extensive search IUCN, 2012). Two other countries have numbers of smalltooth sawfish than of peer-reviewed publications and recently reported sawfish (Guinea other areas given high quality habitats technical reports, newspaper, records Bissau, Africa in 2011, and Mauritania and reduced urbanization. For example, from the GBIF Database, and magazine in 2010), but these reports did not smalltooth sawfish have been repeatedly articles. The results of that search are identify the species as smalltooth reported along the western coast of summarized by major geographic region. sawfish. Andros Island, Bahamas (R.D. Grubbs, Florida State University pers. comm. to Eastern Atlantic Ocean Western Atlantic Ocean (Outside U.S J. Carlson, NMFS, 2014) and The Nature Waters) Smalltooth sawfish were once Conservancy noted two smalltooth common in waters off the west coast of Overall, records of smalltooth sawfish sawfish at the northern and southern Africa, but are now rarely reported or in the western Atlantic Ocean are scarce end of the island in 2006. Fishing documented in the area. The earliest and show a non-continuous range, guides commonly encounter smalltooth record of a smalltooth sawfish is a potentially due to misidentification sawfish around Andros Island while specimen from Namibia in 1874 (GBIF with largetooth sawfish. Faria et al. fishing for bonefish and tarpon (R.D. Database). Other records of smalltooth (2013) summarized most records of Grubbs pers. comm. to J. Carlson, sawfish in Africa occurred in 1907 from smalltooth sawfish in these areas. Faria NMFS, 2014), and researchers tagged Cameroon, five males and two females. et al. (2013) report the earliest records two in 2010 (Carlson et al., 2013). In Female specimens were recorded in the are a female smalltooth sawfish from Bimini, Bahamas, generally one Republic of the Congo in 1911 and 1948. Haiti in 1831 and a female sawfish from smalltooth sawfish has been caught Other reports from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in 1876 (Faria et every two years as part of shark surveys Congo include a male and two females, al., 2013). One smalltooth sawfish was conducted by the Bimini Biological but dates were not recorded. An recorded in Bele´m, Brazil in 1863 (GBIF Station (D. Chapman pers. comm.to undated female specimen from Database). Two smalltooth sawfish saws Carlson, NMFS). In West Africa, Guinea Mauritania was recorded (Faria et al., were reported from Guyana in 1886, and Bissau represents the last areas where 2013). A rostrum from Pointe Noire, an additional saw was later recorded in sawfish can be found (M. Diop pers. Molez, Republic of the Congo was found 1900. In Brazil, there is a 1910 report of comm. to IUCN, 2012). Anecdotal in 1958 (Deynat, 2005; Faria et al., a female smalltooth sawfish. In 1914, reports indicate smalltooth sawfish may 2013). There are records of smalltooth there is a report of a smalltooth sawfish also be found in localized areas off sawfish from Senegal as early as 1956 in Laguna de Terminos, Mexico (GBIF Honduras, Belize, and Cuba (R. Graham, and another rostral saw was recorded in Database). Wildlife Conservation Society, pers. 1959. Faria et al. (2013) also reports on In the middle part of the twentieth comm. to IUCN, 2012). four other rostra from Senegal, but no century, there are reports of two female other information is available. smalltooth sawfish from Mexico in Peer Review and Public Comments Many records of smalltooth sawfish 1926. Rostral saws were found in In December 2004, the Office of from the eastern Atlantic Ocean are Suriname in 1943, 1944, and 1963, but Management and Budget (OMB) issued reported in the GBIF database during no additional location or specimen a Final Information Quality Bulletin for the 1960s, particularly between 1963 information is known. One rostrum was Peer Review pursuant to the Information and 1964. The majority of these records reported from Costa Rica in 1960 and Quality Act (IQA). The Bulletin was are from Nigeria (118), but others are one rostral saw from Trinidad and published in the Federal Register on from Gabon (77), Ghana (51), Cameroon Tobago in 1944 (Faria et al., 2013). January 14, 2005 (70 FR 2664). The (43), and Liberia (39). Another online Several whole individuals and one Bulletin established minimum peer database, Fishbase (www.fishbase.org), rostrum were recorded from Guyana in review standards, a transparent process has the same records. It is unclear if 1958 and 1960. There are also several for public disclosure of peer review these records are duplicative due to the other undated specimens recorded from planning, and opportunities for public lack of specific information. Guyana from this period (Faria et al., participation with regard to certain In the 1970s, records of smalltooth 2013). There are other records of types of information disseminated by sawfish became limited to more smalltooth sawfish’s presence in the the Federal Government. The peer northern areas of West Africa. One western Atlantic Ocean but specific review requirements of the OMB rostral saw from Senegal was recorded information is lacking. For example, Bulletin apply to influential or highly in 1975 (Alexander, 1991). Similarly, Faria et al. (2013) report that 4 rostral influential scientific information. The one rostral saw was reported from saws came from Mexico and two from proposed rule and included status Gambia in 1977, but information about Belize. One female was reported from review were considered influential exact location or sex of the animal was Venezuela and two rostra from Trinidad scientific information under this policy absent (Faria et al., 2013). Faria et al. and Tobago. Despite lacking date and subject to peer review. Similarly, a (2013) report a record of smalltooth information, the GBIF Database and joint NMFS/FWS policy (59 FR 34270; sawfish in Guinea-Bissau in 1983 and a Fishbase have reports of smalltooth July 1, 1994) requires us to solicit record of a saw in 1987. For a sawfish throughout South and Central independent expert review from at least morphological study, Deynat (2005) America: French Guiana (48), Me´xico three qualified specialists, concurrent obtained a juvenile female from Cacheu, (9), Guyana (6), Venezuela (3), Haitı´ (2), with the public comment period, on the Guinea-Bissau in 1983, and another and individual records from Colombia, science that is the basis for listing from Port-Etienne, Mauritania, in 1986. Nicaragua, and Belize. decisions. To ensure this final rule was Two rostra were reported from the In summary, while records are sparse, based on the best scientific and Republic of Guinea, one in 1980 and it is likely the distribution of smalltooth commercial data available, we solicited one in 1988 (Faria et al., 2013). sawfish in the Atlantic Ocean is patchy peer review comments from three In the last 10 years, there has been and has been reduced in a pattern scientists familiar with elasmobranchs. only one confirmed record of a similar to largetooth sawfish. Data On June 4, 2013, we published a smalltooth sawfish in the eastern suggests only a few viable populations proposed rule to list as endangered five Atlantic Ocean in Sierra Leone, West might exist outside the United States. species of sawfish: Narrow sawfish (A.

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cuspidata), dwarf sawfish (P. clavata), Comment 2: One commenter stated Response: We updated our largetooth sawfish (P. pristis), green that the Protective Efforts section of the information on the aquaria trade of sawfish (P. zijsron), and the non-U.S. proposed rule did not include national sawfishes on current supply and DPS of smalltooth sawfish (P. protective efforts except for the demand of sawfishes in the Scientific pectinata), that occurs outside U.S. Convention on International Trade of and Educational Uses section and waters, and opened a 90-day public Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and removed the statement cited by the comment period (78 FR 33300). In the Flora (CITES). The commenter stated commenter. Although we believe that proposed rule, we stated that we were that sawfish protections in Australia sawfish are still in high demand in the not proposing to designate critical were likely effective, but protections in aquaria trade, we recognize that the habitat for any of the five species India were likely ineffective. recent inclusion of all sawfishes under because they occur outside U.S. waters. Response: We updated the Protective CITES Appendix I limits the use of During our comment period we received Efforts section of the rule and included sawfish for display and requires a request to extend the public comment the new information on sawfish acquisition of animals for aquaria from period by 45 days. On August 7, 2013, protections and conservation efforts in captivity or captive breeding. we published a notice extending the Australia from the Australian Comment 2: Several commenters public comment period by 45 days (78 Government’s recently published 2014 stated that they were concerned about FR 48134). We received a total of four Draft Recovery Plan for Sawfish and the impacts of including ‘‘injuring or public comments. River Sharks (Department of killing a captive sawfish through In the following sections of the Environment, 2014). We also included experimental or potentially injurious document we summarize and respond updated information on existing laws in veterinary care or conducting research to the comments received from the Australia and India designed to protect or breeding activities on captive public and peer reviewers on the sawfishes into the Inadequacy of sawfish, outside the bounds of normal proposed rule. Existing Regulatory Mechanisms section animal husbandry practices’’ in the list of this final rule. of activities that could result in a Peer Review Comments Comment 3: It was suggested we use violation of the ESA Section 9 Comment 1: One commenter noted information in Kyne et al. (2013) to prohibitions. The concerns relate to the that the section of the proposed rule update the occurrence information for impacts on captive propagation and rearing programs being conducted by addressing protective efforts did not P. clavata. aquaria, and on the use of the latest include details on the Sawfish Response: We appreciate the new advanced technological techniques Conservation Strategy developed by the information and updated the occurrence available for captive held animals. The IUCN Shark Specialist Group. The information in the preceding sections. commenters requested clarification that commenter stated that the strategy is a The information did not impact our fish care and husbandry techniques protective effort and will improve the evaluation of the status of P. clavata. Comment 4: We received a question could continue to be used by aquaria. conservation status of sawfishes about the origin of the 1996 record of Response: As stated in the proposed worldwide. The commenter predicted a dwarf sawfish from the Mekong River rule, sawfish held in captivity at the medium to high certainty that the Basin, Laos. time of listing are afforded all of the actions identified in the Conservation Response: We cite Rainboth (1996) for ESA protections and may not be killed Plan, when implemented, will be this report from the early 1900s that or injured or otherwise harmed, and, effective. assumed the dwarf sawfish was from the therefore, must receive proper care. We Response: We have included the Mekong River Basin, Laos. We realize that the care of captive animals IUCN Sawfish Conservation Strategy in acknowledge no specimen exists to necessarily entails handling or other the Protective Efforts section of this confirm this report. manipulation and we do not consider final rule. The Services established two Comment 5: The validity of narrow such activities to constitute injury or basic criteria in the PECE for evaluating sawfish reports from Tasmania by harm to the animals so long as adequate conservation efforts: (1) The certainty Deynat (2005) was questioned in one care, including veterinary care, is that the conservation efforts will be comment given the cold, temperate provided. Such veterinary care includes implemented, and (2) the certainty that waters that do not support sawfish. The confining, tranquilizing, and the efforts will be effective. We commenter suggested the record of the anesthetizing sawfishes when such evaluated the IUCN Sawfish sawfish specimen in the fish collection practices, procedures, or provisions are Conservation Strategy and determined it of CSIRO in Hobart, Tasmania was necessary and not likely to result in does not meet either criterion identified erroneous. injury. in the PECE. The strategy identifies Response: We reviewed the literature On the effective date of a final listing, actions for countries to develop and agree with the commenter. We ESA Section 9 take prohibitions regulations or adopt management removed the reference to reports of automatically apply for species listed as actions to implement the strategy. narrow sawfish in Tasmania. endangered and any ‘take’ of the species However, the strategy does not legally is illegal unless that take is authorized bind any country to enact laws or Public Comments under a permit or through an incidental regulations, fund conservation actions, Comment 1: One commenter take statement. Incidental take or otherwise implement the strategy. We requested we cite a more recent statements result from ESA Section 7 believe there is considerable uncertainty reference for the information on the consultations on the effects of federal that the actions identified in the strategy supply and demand of sawfish than the activities. ESA Section 10 permits can will be adopted by the various countries 1996 reference in the proposed rule. authorize directed take (e.g., for within the range of the five species of Specifically, the commenter questioned scientific research or enhancement of sawfish, and that resources are limited the statement that ‘‘sawfishes are in the species) or incidental take during an to support these actions. Therefore, we high demand throughout the world for otherwise lawful activity that would not cannot find that the strategy will display’’ and suggested that sawfishes be subject to ESA section 7 consultation. decrease extinction risk for any of the are no longer in high demand for ESA Section 10 permits are issued to species. display in aquaria. entities or persons subject to the

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jurisdiction of the United States. We recognized species P. microdon and the the U.S. population as discrete across encourage institutions with captive previously listed P. perotteti. The international boundaries. sawfish who are considering activities decision to list P. pristis will replace our We now evaluate the non-U.S. outside the bounds of normal animal 2011 listing determination for P. population of smalltooth sawfish to husbandry (e.g., breeding or research) to perotteti. determine if it meets the discreteness contact NMFS Office of Protected criteria of the joint DPS policy. First, we Distinct Population Segments Resources, Permits and Conservation determine whether the non-U.S. Division, to determine if an ESA Section In order to determine if the petitioned population of smalltooth sawfish is 10 permit is required to authorize the and currently non-listed population discrete from the U.S. population proposed activity. We do not have segment of smalltooth sawfish (P. because it is delimited by international information regarding emerging pectinata) constitutes a ‘‘species’’ governmental boundaries within which advances in fish care and animal eligible for listing under the ESA, we differences of control of exploitation, husbandry for sawfish held in captivity evaluated it under our joint NMFS- management of habitat, conservation so we cannot determine at this time if USFWS Policy regarding the recognition status, or regulatory mechanisms exist they are outside the bounds of normal of distinct population segments (DPS) that are significant in light of section care for captive animals. under the ESA (61 FR 4722; February 7, 4(a)(1)(D) of the ESA. Because we have Comment 3: Several commenters 1996). We examined the three criteria designated critical habitat for the U.S. requested clarification of the meaning of that must be met for a DPS to be listed DPS population of smalltooth sawfish, the terms ‘‘non-commercial’’ and ‘‘non- under the ESA: (1) The discreteness of there is a significant regulatory commercially’’ as those terms are used the population segment in relation to mechanism for protecting smalltooth in the section titled Identification of the remainder of the species to which it sawfish and their habitats in the United those Activities that Would Constitute a belongs; (2) the significance of the States that does not exist for the non- Violation of Section 9 of the ESA. population segment to the remainder of U.S. population of smalltooth sawfish. Response: Section 3 of the ESA the species to which it belongs; and (3) Movement data from smalltooth sawfish defines the term ‘‘commercial activity’’ the population segment’s conservation tagged in U.S. and Bahamian waters also to mean ‘‘all activities of industry and status in relation to the Act’s standards indicate no movement to countries trade, including but not limited to, the for listing (i.e., Is the population outside where they were tagged. This buying and selling of commodities and segment, when treated as if it were a information provides support that the activities conducted for the purposes of species, endangered or threatened?). non-U.S. population is discrete from the facilitating such buying and selling: A population may be considered already-listed U.S. DPS on the basis of Provided, however, That it does not discrete, if it satisfies one of the being markedly separate as a include exhibitions of commodities by following conditions: (1) It is markedly consequence of ecological factors, in museums or similar cultural or separated from other populations of the addition to our previous determination historical organizations.’’ NMFS will same taxon as a consequence of that the U.S. DPS is discrete on the basis use the definition of ‘‘commercial physical, physiological, ecological, or of international boundaries and activity’’ to evaluate whether an activity behavioral factors; or (2) it is delimited significant differences in regulatory is ‘‘non-commercial’’ or a sawfish is by international governmental mechanisms. For smalltooth sawfish being held ‘‘non-commercially’’ in boundaries within which differences of outside the U.S., we have no captivity. control of exploitation, management of information regarding genetic or other Our listing determinations and habitat, conservation status, or biological differences that would summary of the data on which it is regulatory mechanisms exist that are provide a strong basis for further based, with the incorporated changes, significant in light of section 4(a)(1)(D) separating the non-U.S. smalltooth are presented in the remainder of this of the ESA. sawfish population into smaller, document. We previously determined that discrete units. We, therefore, conclude smalltooth sawfish in the United States that the non-U.S. population of Species Determinations merited protection as a DPS and listed smalltooth sawfish meets the We first consider whether the narrow the U.S. DPS of smalltooth sawfish as discreteness criterion of the joint DPS sawfish (A. cuspidata), dwarf sawfish endangered (68 FR 15674; April 1, policy and we consider this population (P. clavata), largetooth sawfish (P. 2003). At that time, there was no as a single potential DPS. pristis), green sawfish (P. zijsron), and of information available to indicate We next must consider whether the the non-U.S. DPS of smalltooth sawfish smalltooth sawfish in U.S. waters non-U.S. population of smalltooth (P. pectinata) meet the definition of interact with those in international sawfish meets the significance criterion. ‘‘species’’ pursuant to section 3 of the waters or other countries, suggesting The joint DPS policy gives examples of ESA. Then we consider if any that the U.S. population may be potential considerations indicating the populations meet the DPS criteria. effectively isolated from other population’s significance to the larger populations. However, there were few taxon. Among these considerations is Consideration as a ‘‘Species’’ Under the scientific data on the biology of evidence that the discrete population Endangered Species Act smalltooth sawfish, and it was not segment would result in a significant Based on the best available scientific possible to conclusively subdivide this gap in the range of the taxon. Smalltooth and commercial information described species into discrete populations on the sawfish are limited in their distribution above in the natural history sections for basis of genetics, morphology, behavior, outside of the United States to West each species, we have determined that or other biological characteristics. Africa, the Caribbean, Mexico, and the narrow sawfish (A. cuspidata), Because there were no identified Central and South America. Loss of this dwarf sawfish (P. clavata), largetooth mechanisms regulating the exploitation group of smalltooth sawfish would sawfish (P. pristis), and green sawfish of this species anywhere outside of the result in a significant gap in the range (P. zijsron) are taxonomically-distinct United States, we considered that lack of this species and restrict distribution species and therefore eligible for listing of protection as directly relevant to the to U.S. waters. Because the loss of under the ESA. The largetooth sawfish inadequacy of existing regulatory smalltooth sawfish in areas outside the (P. pristis) now includes the formerly mechanisms and a basis for considering United States would result in a

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significant gap in the range of the largetooth sawfish, 48 years; green al., 2005). The available data on species, we conclude the non-U.S. sawfish, 38 years; and the non-U.S. DPS abundance of sawfishes indicates there population of smalltooth sawfish is of smalltooth sawfish, 30 years. After are still some isolated groups of sawfish significant as defined by the DPS policy. considering the life history of each in the western and central Indo-Pacific Based on the above analysis of species, availability of data, and type of region, but their abundance has likely discreteness and significance, we threats, we concluded that three declined from historic levels. conclude that the non-U.S. population generations was an appropriate measure Smalltooth sawfish are still being of smalltooth sawfish (P. pectinata) to evaluate threats in the foreseeable reported outside of U.S. waters in the meets the definition of a DPS and is future. As a late-maturing species, with Caribbean Sea, but records are few and eligible for listing under the ESA, and slow growth rate and low productivity, mostly insular (e.g., Andros Island) hereafter refer to it as the non-U.S. DPS it would take more than one generation where habitat is available and gillnet of smalltooth sawfish. for any conservation management action fisheries are not a threat to the species Extinction Risk to be realized and reflected in (see below). There are only four records population abundance indices. The of largetooth sawfish in the eastern Our updated extinction risk analysis timeframe of three generations is a Atlantic Ocean over the last decade. In provides a more detailed discussion of widely used scientific indicator of the western Atlantic, recent largetooth the extinction risk analysis process that biological status, and has been applied sawfish records are from only the we used to determine the risk of to decision making models by many Amazon River basin and the Rio extinction for narrow sawfish, dwarf other conservation management Colorado-Rio San Juan area in sawfish, green sawfish, largetooth organizations, including the American Nicaragua. sawfish, and the non-U.S. DPS of Fisheries Society, the CITES, and the Wainright and Kope (1999) stated smalltooth sawfish to determine IUCN. short- and long-term trends in whether the species are threatened or We considered three demographic abundance are a primary indicator of endangered per the ESA’s definitions. categories in which to summarize extinction risk. These trends may be We used an adaptation of the approach, available data and assess extinction risk calculated from a variety of quantitative including the primary concepts, of each sawfish species: (1) Abundance, data such as research surveys, developed by Wainwright and Kope (2) population growth rate/productivity, commercial logbook or observer data, (1999) to organize and summarize our and (3) genetic integrity which include and landings information when findings. This approach was originally the connectivity and genetic diversity of accompanied by effort, but there is an developed for salmonids and has been the species. We determined the absence of long-term monitoring data for adapted and applied in the review of extinction risk for each category, for all five sawfishes. We looked at the many other species (Pacific salmonid, both now and in the foreseeable future, available data closely to see if we could Pacific hake, walleye pollock, Pacific using a five level qualitative scale to support inferences about extinction risk cod, Puget Sound rockfishes, Pacific describe our assessment of the risk of based on the trends in past observations herring, and black abalone) to extinction. At the lowest level, a factor, using the presence of a particular summarize the status of the species either alone or in combination with species at specified places and times according to demographic risk criteria. other factors, is considered ‘‘unlikely’’ (e.g., Dulvy et al., 2003; Rivadeneira et The approach is useful when there is to significantly contribute to risk of al., 2009). The available museum insufficient quantitative data to support extinction for a species. The next lowest records, negative scientific survey development of population viability level is considered to be a ‘‘low’’ risk to results, and anecdotal reports do models to investigate extinction risk and contribute to the extinction risk, but indicate the abundance trend for all five it allows the incorporation of sparse and could contribute in combination with sawfishes is declining and population qualitative data. Wainwright and Kope other factors. The next level is sizes are small. Information available on (1999) identified key demographic considered a ‘‘moderate’’ risk of the species’ distribution indicates the parameters that have a strong bearing on extinction for the species, but in species’ ranges have also contracted. In extinction risk, with a focus on risks to combination with other factors many areas where sawfish still occur, small populations from genetic effects contributes significantly to the risk of they are subject to commercial and and population dynamics. Using these extinction. A ranking of ‘‘high’’ risk artisanal fisheries and potential habitat concepts, adapted to the biology of these means that factor by itself is likely to loss. We therefore ranked the risk of sawfishes and our available data, we contribute significantly to the risk of extinction posed by the sawfishes’ estimated the extinction risk, based on extinction. Finally, a ranking of ‘‘very abundances as high, now and into the demographic factors, for each of the five high’’ risk means that factor is foreseeable future. species under both current threats and considered ‘‘highly likely’’ to contribute We next considered the species’ threats expected in the foreseeable significantly to the risk of extinction. potential growth rates and productivity future. We also performed a threats We ranked abundance as high or very as measures of their ability to recover assessment by identifying the severity of high risk which is likely to contribute from depleted levels and provide threats that exist now and in the significantly to the current and inherent protection against extinction foreseeable future. foreseeable risk of extinction for all five risk. Sawfish have historically been We defined the ‘‘foreseeable future’’ species. While it appears the northern classified as having both low as the timeframe over which threats, or coast of Australia supports the largest reproductive productivity and low the species’ response to those threats, remaining groups of dwarf, largetooth, recovery potential. The demography of can be reliably predicted to impact the green, and narrow sawfish in the Pacific smalltooth and largetooth sawfish from biological status of the species. We and Indian Ocean, data from the the northwest Atlantic Ocean that was determined that the foreseeable future is Queensland, Australia Shark Control originally investigated using an age- approximately three generation times, Program show a clear decline in sawfish structured life table (Simpfendorfer, calculated for each of the species based catch (non-species-specific) over a 30- 2000). Using known estimates of on the demographic calculations of year period from the 1960s. In addition, growth, mortality, and reproduction at Moreno Iturria (2012): Narrow sawfish, it shows the complete disappearance of the time, Simpfendorfer (2000) 14 years; dwarf sawfish, 49 years; sawfish in southern regions (Stevens et determined that intrinsic rates of

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population increase ranged from 8 to 13 Phillips et al. (2011) found statistically Summary of Factors Affecting the Five percent per year, and population significant genetic structure within Species of Sawfishes doubling times were approximately 5 to species and moderate genetic diversity Next we consider whether any of the 8.5 years for both species. These among these species. These results five factors specified in section 4(a)(1) of estimates included assumptions that suggest that sawfish may be more the ESA are contributing to the there was no fishing mortality, no vulnerable to local extirpation along extinction risk of these five sawfishes. habitat limitations, no population certain parts of their range, especially in fragmentation, or other effects of small areas where the population has been The Present or Threatened Destruction, population sizes. Simpfendorfer (2006) fragmented and movement between Modification, or Curtailment of Its further modeled the demography of these areas is limited. However, these Habitat or Range smalltooth sawfish using a method for results do not necessarily suggest a We identified destruction, estimating the rebound potential of a higher risk of extinction throughout the modification, or curtailment of habitat population by assuming that maximum or range as a potential threat to all five sustainable yield was achieved when entire range of the species. Chapman et species of sawfishes and determined the total mortality was twice that of al. (2011) investigated the genetic this factor is currently, and in the natural mortality. This demographic diversity of the U.S. DPS of smalltooth foreseeable future, contributing model produced intrinsic rates of sawfish that has declined to between significantly to the risk of extinction of population increase that were from two one percent to five percent of its these species. to seven percent per year for both abundance at the turn of the twentieth smalltooth and largetooth sawfish. century, while its core distribution has Coastal and Riverine Habitats contracted to less than 10 percent of its These values are similar to those Loss of habitat is one of the factors calculated by Smith et al. (2008) using former range (NMFS, 2009). determined to be associated with the the same methodology corresponding to Surprisingly, given the magnitude of decline of smalltooth sawfish in the U.S. elasmobranch species with the lowest this population decline and range (NMFS, 2009). As juveniles, sawfishes productivity. Musick et al. (2000) noted contraction, the U.S DPS of smalltooth rely on shallow nearshore that species with intrinsic rates of sawfish does not exhibit any sign of environments, primarily mangrove- increase of less than 10 percent were genetic bottlenecks, and it has genetic fringed estuaries as nurseries (e.g., particularly vulnerable to rapid diversity that is similar to other, less Wiley and Simpfendorfer, 2010; Norton population declines and a higher risk of depleted elasmobranch populations et al., 2012). Coastal development and extinction. (Chapman et al., 2011). Given that all Some recent studies on the life history urbanization have caused these habitats of sawfish, however, indicate they are five species of sawfish considered here to be reduced or removed from many potentially more productive than have suffered similar abundance areas throughout the species’ historic originally proposed. Growth rates (von declines, we believe this conclusion and current range. Habitat loss was Bertalanffy ‘‘K’’) for some species, like should serve as a surrogate for the other identified as one of the most serious narrow sawfish, approach 0.34 per year sawfish species. Because the U.S. DPS threats to the persistence of all species (Peverell, 2008). Data from tag-recapture of smalltooth sawfish has not undergone of sawfish, posing high risks for studies and analysis of vertebral growth a genetic bottleneck, we ranked genetic extinction. It is still unclear how bands from smalltooth sawfish indicate diversity as a moderate risk for all anthropogenic perturbations to habitats that the first few years after birth sawfish species as it is likely, in affect the recruitment of juvenile represent the time when growth is most combination with other factors, to sawfish, and therefore adequate rapid (e.g., Simpfendorfer et al., 2008; contribute significantly to the risk of protection of remaining natural areas is Scharer et al., 2012). Using updated life extinction. However, we determined essential. Given the threat from coastal history information, Moreno Iturria that the risk of extinction due to the lack urbanization coupled with the predicted reduction of mangroves globally (2012) calculated intrinsic rates of of connectivity was high for all five (Alongi, 2008), we believe the risk of increase for these five species of sawfish species, primarily because all habitat loss would significantly and determined values ranging from a populations have undergone severe low of 0.02 per year for green sawfish contribute to both the decline of sawfish fragmentation. While genetic results and their reduced viability. to a high of 0.27 per year for narrow provide optimism for the remaining sawfish with dwarf sawfish being We expect habitat modification populations of sawfish, this does not second highest at 0.10 per year. throughout the range of these sawfishes preclude the promotion of management Considering this information, and the to continue with human population inferred declining trend in abundance, actions to enhance connectivity among increases. As humans continue to we conclude productivity is a moderate populations that have been historically develop rural areas, habitat for other risk for the narrow sawfish but a high fragmented. We are also somewhat species, like sawfish, becomes risk for the other four species. We also optimistic that sawfish populations may compromised (Compagno, 2002b). determined that productivity would begin to rebuild in some areas and the Habitat modification affects all five remain a moderate risk for the narrow risk of connectivity was determined to species of sawfish, especially those sawfish and is a high risk for the other decrease for smalltooth and the narrow inshore, coastal habitats near estuaries four species, in the foreseeable future. sawfish in the foreseeable future, and marshes (Compagno and Last, 1999; We also assessed the species’ although by only a small amount. Cavanagh et al., 2003; Martin, 2005; extinction risk, based on genetic After reviewing the best available Chin et al., 2010; NMFS, 2010). Mining diversity, spatial structure and scientific data and assessing the and mangrove deforestation severely connectivity. Population structure and alter the coast habitats of estuaries and extinction risk on the five species of levels of genetic diversity have recently wetlands that support sawfish sawfishes based on their status and been assessed for the green sawfish, (Vidthayanon, 2002; Polhemus et al., dwarf sawfish, and largetooth sawfish demography, we conclude the risk of 2004; Martin, 2005). In addition, across northern Australia using a extinction for all five species of sawfish riverine systems throughout most of portion of the mtDNA control region. is high. these species’ historical range have been

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altered or dammed. For example, the (Compagno, 2002; Polhemus et al., educational purposes as a potential potential expansion of the McArthur 2004; Martin, 2005; Thorburn et al., threat to all five species of sawfishes River Mine would permanently realign 2007; Chin et al., 2010; Morgan et al., and determined that it is currently and channels that would in turn affect the 2010a). in the foreseeable future contributing number of pools formed during the wet New dams being proposed to provide significantly to their risk of extinction. and dry seasons, many of which are additional irrigation to farmland Commercial Fisheries used as refuge areas for dwarf, green, or upstream may affect sawfish habitat. For largetooth sawfish (Polhemus et al., example, the Gilbert River, in Commercial fisheries pose the biggest 2004; Gorham, 2006). In addition to the Queensland, Australia drains into the threat to these sawfishes, as these potential expansion of the McArthur Gulf of Carpentaria, which is the species are bycatch from many fisheries. River Mine, the Nicaragua government nursery area for green, dwarf, and Their unusual morphology and is proposing to build a cross-country largetooth sawfish. Further modification prominent saw makes sawfishes canal through habitats currently used by of the McArthur and Gilbert Rivers, particularly vulnerable to most types of the remaining largetooth sawfish along with increased commercial fishing fishing gear, most notably any type of population in Lake Nicaraugua (BBC in coastal waters, will negatively affect net (Anak, 2002; Hart, 2002; Last, 2002; News, Latin America and Caribbean, sawfishes by reducing available habitat Pogonoski et al., 2002; Cavanagh et al., 2013). while increasing bycatch mortality 2003; Porteous, 2004; Stevens et al., Although the status of habitats across (Gorham, 2006). 2005; Gorham 2006; IUCN Red List, the global range of these sawfishes is not 2006; Chidlow, 2007; Field, 2009; Chin Water Quality well known, we expect the continued et al., 2010; NMFS, 2010; Morgan et al., development and human population Largetooth sawfish in particular, and 2011). Trawling gear is of particular growth to have negative effects on likely the other sawfishes, have concern as it is the most common gear habitat, especially to nearshore nursery experienced a loss of habitat throughout used within the range and habitat of habitats. For example, Ruiz-Luna et al. their range due to the decline in water sawfishes (Compagno and Last, 1999; (2008) acknowledge that deforestation of quality. Agriculture and logging Taniuchi, 2002; Walden and Nou, 2008). mangrove forests in Mexico has practices increase runoff, change In Thailand, all sawfish fins obtained occurred from logging practices, salinity, and reduce the flow of water and sold to markets are a result of construction of harbors, tourism, and into freshwater rivers and streams that bycatch by otter-board trawling and aquaculture activities. Valiela et al. affects the habitat of the largetooth gillnet fisheries as there are no directed (2001) reported on mangrove declines sawfish (Polhemus et al., 2004; IUCN sawfish fisheries in the country (Pauly, worldwide. They showed that the area Red List, 2006); mining seems to be the 1988; Vidthayanon, 2002). The Lake of mangrove habitat in Brazil decreased most detrimental activity to water Nicaragua commercial fishery for from 9652 to 5173 square miles (24,999 quality. Pollution from industrial waste, largetooth sawfish that collapsed prior to 13,398 square kilometers) between urban and rural sewage, fertilizers and to the 1980’s was comprised mostly of 1983 and 1997, with similar trends in pesticides, and tourist development all gillnet boats (Thorson, 1982a), and the Guinnea-Bissau 1837 to 959 square end up in these freshwater systems and commercial small coastal shark fishery miles (4758 to 2484 square kilometers) eventually the oceans. Pollution from in Brazil mainly uses gillnets and some from 1953 to 1995. The areas with the these operations has caused a reduction handlines (Charvet-Almeida, 2002). most rapid mangrove declines in the in the number of sawfish in these Subadult and adult smalltooth sawfish Americas included Venezuela, Mexico, freshwater systems (Vidthayanon, 2002; have been reported as bycatch in the Panama, the U.S., and Brazil. Along the Polhemus et al., 2004). U.S. Gulf of Mexico and south Atlantic western coast of Africa, the largest In summary, habitat alterations that shrimp trawl fishery (NMFS SEFSC, declines have occurred in Senegal, potentially affect sawfishes include 2011); however, if proper techniques are Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Guinnea- commercial and residential used, all sawfish species, particularly Bissau. World-wide mangrove habitat development; agricultural, silvicultural, adults, are fairly resilient and can be loss was estimated at 35 percent from and mining land uses; construction of released alive from most fishing gear 1980 to 2000 (Valiela et al., 2001). These water control structures; and (Lack et al., 2009). areas where mangroves are known to modification to freshwater inflows. All Live release of sawfishes from have decreased are within both the sawfishes are vulnerable to a host of commercial fishing gear does occur but historic and current ranges of these five habitat impacts because they use rivers, sawfishes are often retained. The meat species. estuaries, bays, and the ocean at various is generally consumed locally, but the times of their life cycle. Based on our fins and rostra are of high value and Hydroelectric and Flood Control Dams review of current literature, scientific sold in markets where these products Hydroelectric and flood control dams surveys and anecdotal information on are unregulated (CITES, 2007). In Brazil, pose a major threat to freshwater inflow the historic and current distribution, we a captured sawfish is most likely into the euryhaline habitats of find that destruction, modification, and retained because of the value of their sawfishes. Alterations of flow, physical curtailment of habitat or ranges are a products, as the rostra, rostral teeth, and barriers, and increased water factor affecting the status of each fins are valued at upwards of $1,000 temperature affect water quality and species. We conclude that this factor is U.S. in foreign markets (NMFS, 2010a). quantity in the rivers, as well as contributing, on its own or in The proportion of largetooth sawfish in adjacent estuaries that are important combination with other factors, to the these markets is unknown, although as nursery areas for sawfish. Regulating extinction risk of all five species of many as 180 largetooth sawfish saws water flow affects the environmental sawfishes. were annually sold at a single market in cues of monsoonal rains and increased northern Brazil in the early 2000’s freshwater flow for pupping (Peverel, Overutilization for Commercial, (McDavitt and Charvet-Almeida, 2004). 2008; Morgan et al., 2011). Changes in Recreational, Scientific, or Educational The Trade Records Analysis of Flora siltation due to regulated water flow Purposes and Fauna in Commerce (TRAFFIC) may also affect benthic habitat or prey We identified overutilization for organization found that meat, liver oil, abundance for these sawfishes commercial, recreational, scientific, or fins, and skin are among the most

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preferred sawfish products in Asian Indigenous Take fishing pressures (Dudley and Cliff, markets (Anak, 2002; Vidthayanon, 1993). Due to the large populations of 2002). In the Gulf of Thailand, over Scientific and Educational Uses 5,291 US tons (4,800 tonnes) of rays various indigenous people throughout were caught annually from 1976 to the range of these five species, and the Sawfishes are unique animals that are 1989; at the same time over 1,102 US lack of data on the animals they harvest, currently on public display in many tons (1,000 tonnes) of rays were caught the number of sawfish taken by local large aquariums. Removal of sawfishes in the Andaman Sea (Vidthayanon, peoples is unknown. Elasmobranchs are from their natural habitats has caused 2002). It is likely that most of these caught for consumption throughout the some concern for these sawfish species products were sold in Asian markets Indo-Pacific. In some areas, the meat and their ecosystems. No information is because of the high demand for sawfish and fins of these animals are of high available on the level of mortality that products. Reports of sawfish products in market value, and therefore they are occurs during the capture and various markets throughout Asia are sold rather than consumed locally. Due transporting of live sawfish to aquaria. often inconsistent and inaccurate to this unregulated consumption, Removal of female sawfish from the wild could have an effect on the future despite international rules on trade and removal of elasmobranchs, which includes sawfishes, is a threat to their reproductive capacity of that population possession of sawfish products (Fowler, population(s) (Compagno and Last, (Anak, 2002; Harsan and Petrescu-Mag, 2002; Clarke et al., 2008; Kiessling et al., 1999; Pogonoski et al., 2002; 2008). Limited information is available 2009). Vidthayanon, 2002; Thorburn et al., regarding the number of sawfish that Recreational or commercial fishing 2007; Peverell, 2008; Morgan et al., have been removed from the wild for gear may be abandoned or lost at sea. 2010a). display in aquaria. All sawfish removed These ‘‘ghost nets’’ are an entanglement Some studies have been conducted on from Australian waters for aquaria hazard for sawfishes and have become the use and value of elasmobranch parts collections have been reported as an increasing problem in the Gulf of to various indigenous groups, juveniles (S. Olson, Association of Zoos Carpentaria where over 5,500 ghost nets particularly those in eastern Sabah, and Aquariums (AZA), 2013 pers. were removed in 2009. Sawfish captures Malaysia. One study (Almada-Villela, comm). The two most recent imports of are expected to occur in regions where 2002) found the majority of natives from largetooth sawfish to an Association of no quantitative information about ghost Pulau Tetabuan and Pulau Mabul only Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility were in 2007 and 2008 (S. nets exists (Gunn et al, 2010). take what is necessary for subsistence. Olson, AZA, 2013 pers. comm). Misidentification, general species- Sawfish rostra are also valued and kept In July 2011, the Australian CITES composition grouping, and failure to as decoration or given as gifts at the Scientific Authority for Marine Species record information are all concerns for expense of the animal (Almada-Villela, reviewed their 2007 non-detriment reporting sawfish captures in direct or 2002; McDavitt et al., 1996; finding for the export of P. microdon indirect commercial fisheries (Stobutzki Vidthayanon, 2002). and found that it was not possible to et al., 2002b). With little enforcement of conclude with a reasonable level of regional and international laws, the Protective Coastal Nets certainty that any harvest for export practice of landing sawfishes may Protective gillnets to prevent shark purposes would not be detrimental to continue (NMFS, 2010a). All sawfish attacks on humans is used in some areas the survival or recovery of the species populations have been declining but can have a negative impact due to (DSEWPaC, 2011). Since then, worldwide, partly due to the negative bycatch. Sawfishes are highly international trade in freshwater sawfish effects of commercial fishing (Stevens et susceptible to capture in nets because from Australia has ceased. al., 2000; Peverell, 2008). their saws are easily tangled in nets. The Worldwide, we are not aware of any Recreational Fisheries Queensland Shark Control Program in narrow sawfish in captivity (Peverell, Australia places nets along beaches 2005, 2008). We are aware of 2 dwarf Sawfish are bycatch of many during the summer months. From 1970 sawfish held in captivity in Japan recreational fisheries throughout their to 1990, sawfish bycatch in these nets (McDavitt, 2006). Largetooth sawfish are range, even in areas where they are declined despite relatively constant the most common sawfish species in protected, including many Australian effort; likely due to an overall decline in captivity (NMFS, 2010a). Juvenile rivers (Walden and Nou, 2008; Field et sawfish populations (Stevens et al., largetooth measuring less than 3.5 ft (1 al., 2009). Peverell (2008) reports that 2005). In South Africa, the first m) TL on average are most often caught some sawfish are a target sport fish for protective gillnets lined the southeast for the aquaria trade as they are easier recreational fishermen in the Gulf of tip of the continent’s coast as early as to transport than adults (Peter and Tan, Carpentaria, Queensland. Historical 1952. By 1990, over 27 mi (44 km) of 1997). information from the U.S. indicates that nets lined the area between Richards Globally, scientists are collecting recreational hook and line fishers in Bay and Mzamba (Dudley and Cliff, information on sawfish biology. Texas sometimes target large sharks as 1993). About 350 sharks and rays were Research efforts began in 2003 on the trophy fish but may capture sawfish captured in these nets between 1981 U.S. DPS population of smalltooth (Burgess et al., 2009). Elsewhere in the and 1990. A high percentage of sawfish and no negative impacts have United States, the abundance of entangled sawfish are released alive been associated with this research to sawfishes is low and likely never high because of their ability to breathe while date. enough for recreational fishers to motionless. Dudley and Cliff (1993) In summary, while no quantitative encounter sawfish, much less target it reported that 100 percent of largetooth data on fishery impacts are available, we (NMFS, 2010a). With the increase in sawfish and 67 percent of smalltooth conclude that given the susceptibility of human population along the coast, sawfish caught during that time were sawfish to entanglement in gillnets and recreational fishing has the potential to released alive. Still, subsequent trawl nets that are commonly used put additional pressure on sawfish mortality post-release due to stress or throughout their range, sawfishes are species that use coastal habitats injury from the process is unknown and likely captured as incidental take. We (Walden and Nou, 2008). potentially detrimental given other are not aware of any fisheries

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specifically targeting sawfishes. This Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory (Vidthayanon, 2002). Among Middle impact from fisheries is the most likely Mechanisms Eastern countries that fish for sharks, single cause of the observed range We identified inadequacy of existing only Iran has implemented an contractions and reduced abundance in regulatory mechanisms as a potential International Plan of Action for the many areas of their former range. Trade threat to each of the five species of Conservation and Management of of sawfish parts occurs throughout the sawfish. We determined that this factor Sharks (IPOA Shark Plan). Nine Arab world. Sawfish have been exploited for alone, or in combination with other countries have recently signed a their fins, rostra, and teeth. Sawfish fins factors, is contributing significantly to Memorandum of Understanding on the have been report in the shark fin trade their risk of extinction. Conservation of Migratory Sharks to since the early 1900s (Mountnorris, First, we reviewed general or global improve shark conservation measures 1809). Trade of sawfish parts occurs on regulatory protections for sawfish. The under the United Nations Environment Internet sites such as eBay and use of turtle exclusion devices (TEDs) in Programme Convention on Migratory Craigslist. Trade of sawfish parts (e.g., the nets of trawl fisheries to conserve Species. Countries in Africa face similar fins, rostral teeth, and rostra) are also sea turtles occurs throughout much of circumstances as enforcement for ongoing threats to all five species the range of sawfishes, but TEDs are not sawfish protection is unknown (NMFS, 2010a). Countries that do have (Harrison et al., 2014). Therefore, we efficient in directing sawfish out of nets conclude the overutilization for protective legislation are often unable to because sawfish rostra get entangled commercial, recreational, scientific, or effectively patrol their waters, and (Stobutzki et al., 2002a; Brewer et al., educational purposes, alone or in fishing restrictions are routinely 2006) prior to reaching the TED. TEDs combination with other factors as violated by foreign vessels (Lack. and are often used when trawling occurs discussed herein, is contributing Sant, 2008). In one study, genetic testing along the sea bottom at depths of 49 ft significantly to the risk of extinction of (DNA barcoding) was used to identify to 131 ft (15 to 40 m), areas where the narrow, dwarf, largetooth, green, fins from green sawfish confiscated from sawfish are likely to be found (Stobutzki and the non-U.S. DPS of smalltooth foreign boats illegally fishing in et al., 2002a). Most sawfishes show no sawfish. northern Australian waters (Holmes, difference in recovery after going 2009). Disease and Predation through a trawl net, regardless of the The Australian government listed the We have determined that disease and presence or absence of a TED (Griffiths, largetooth, green, and dwarf sawfishes predation are not potential threats to 2006). Stobutzki et al. (2002a) found as vulnerable on their Environmental any of the five species of sawfish and that large females are more likely to Protection and Biodiversity that it is unlikely that these factors, on survive capture after passing through a Conservation (EPBC) Act list. The EPBC their own or in combination with other trawling net and TED compared to Act protects these sawfish and prohibits factors, are contributing significantly to smaller males. Only narrow sawfish killing, injuring, taking, trading, their risk of extinction of all five sawfish were found to benefit from the presence keeping, or moving an individual species. of TEDs in nets as 73.3 percent escaped without a permit. Even with these These species co-occur with other (Brewer et al., 2006; Griffiths, 2006). In protections in place, the Draft Recovery sawfishes and large sharks, but we are general, TEDs tend to have negligible Plan for Sawfish and River Sharks not aware of any studies or information impact on sawfish that get captured by (Department of the Environment, 2014) documenting interspecific competition trawling nets (Stobutzki et al., 2002a; reports that these three sawfish species in terms of either habitat or prey (NMFS Griffiths, 2006), but they do provide an have experienced substantial population 2010a). Thorson (1971) speculated that escape route if the animal does not get declines. the Lake Nicaragua bull shark entangled. In summary, several organizations are population may compete with Data reporting agencies (i.e., customs trying to regulate and manage sawfish largetooth sawfish, as both were and national fisheries) are often but often these regulations and prevalent, but he offered no additional inconsistent in their reporting of management initiatives are inadequate. data. Sawfish have been documented wildlife trade (Anak, 2002). Reports are Illegal exploitation by foreign fishers within the stomach of a dolphin often vague and include general often occurs when regulations exist but (Tursiops truncatus) near Bermuda descriptions like ‘‘shark fin’’ or ‘‘ray,’’ are not enforced (Kiessling et al., 2009). (Bigelow and Schroeder, 1953; Monte- providing practically no information of Preventative measures on existing Luna et al., 2009), in the stomach of a trading rates of specific products (Lack fishing mechanisms to avoid sawfish bull shark (C. leucas) in Australia and Sant, 2011). Many countries in the catch, international monitoring of trade (Thorburn et al., 2004), and evidence of Indo-Pacific do not report bycatch and bycatch, and governmental bite marks from what appeared to be a statistics or elasmobranchs taken influence on fisheries are not presently bull shark (C. leucas) on a juvenile illegally (Holmes et al., 2009). In order sufficient to protect sawfishes. Specific smalltooth sawfish in the United States for effective management plans to be regulation and monitoring of sawfishes have been reported (T. Wiley-Lescher, implemented in fin markets and for by country would provide better Haven Worth Consulting, 2012 pers. sawfish product trade, data need to be protection (Vidthayanon, 2002; Walden comm). Crocodiles also prey on consistent. and Nou, 2008). Therefore, we conclude sawfishes (Cook and Compagno, 2005). Next, we reviewed regional or country the inadequacy of existing regulatory There is no evidence that unusual levels specific regulatory protections for mechanisms has and continues to of disease or predation affect any of the sawfish. Many countries in the Indo- significantly contribute to the risk of five sawfish species. Based on the Pacific and the Middle East do not have extinction of the narrow, dwarf, information available on disease and formal legislation for management or largetooth, green, and the non-U.S. DPS predation for all five species of sawfish, national protection of the sawfish that of smalltooth sawfish. we have determined that disease and may occur in their waters. Presently, predation on their own, or in Thailand has regulated some fisheries, Other Natural or Manmade Factors combination with other factors, do not but has no protective legislation for any Affecting Its Continued Existence pose an extinction risk to any of these elasmobranch in the country except for In the proposed rule, we determined sawfishes. export of marine species for aquaria this was not a factor contributing

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significantly to the risk of extinction of regurgitation, pectoral fin paralysis, effective, we rely on the Services’ joint all five species of sawfish. We re- caudal fin curvature, loss of ‘‘Policy for Evaluation of Conservation evaluated the information for this factor equilibrium, quiescence, vasodilation, Efforts When Making Listing Decisions’’ and changed our conclusion from the and convulsions, culminating in death. (‘‘PECE’’; 68 FR 15100; March 28, 2003). proposed rule based on the fact that However, it is known that fish can die The PECE policy is designed to ensure sawfish life history traits, which at lower cell concentrations and can consistent and adequate evaluation on consists of slow growth rates, late also apparently survive in much higher whether any conservation efforts that maturity, long life spans, and low concentrations. In some instances, have been recently adopted or fecundity rates. These life history traits mortality from red tide is not acute, but implemented, but not yet proven to be do not enable them to respond rapidly may occur over a period of days or successful, will result in recovering the to additional sources of mortality, such weeks after exposure to subacute toxin species to the point at which listing is as overexploitation and habitat concentrations. There is no specific not warranted or contribute to forming degradation. Scientific information information on red tide effects on the basis for listing a species as available on all five species of sawfish sawfish, but a single report exists of a threatened rather than endangered. The indicates that other natural or manmade smalltooth sawfish that was found dead purpose of the PECE policy is to ensure factors are potential threats to all of the along the west coast of Florida, during consistent and adequate evaluation of five species of sawfish. We conclude it a red tide event (International Sawfish future or recently implemented is likely that these factors, on their own Encounter Database, 2009). Therefore, conservation efforts identified in or in combination with other factors, are we conclude that sawfishes occurring in conservation agreements, conservation contributing significantly to the risk of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico are vulnerable plans, management plans, and similar extinction for all five sawfish species. to red tide, but there is little information documents when making listing An increase in global sea-surface documenting direct mortality resulting determinations. The PECE provides temperature and sea level may already from exposure to red tide (NMFS, direction for the consideration of be influencing sawfish populations 2010a). Harmful algal blooms also exist conservation efforts identified in these (Clark, 2006; Walden and Nou, 2008; in waters outside of the U.S. Gulf of documents that have not yet been Chin et al., 2010). Fish assemblages are Mexico therefore, it is probable that all implemented, or have been likely to change their distribution and sawfishes are vulnerable to harmful implemented but not yet demonstrated could affect the prey base for sawfishes. algal blooms wherever they occur. effectiveness. The policy is expected to Estuaries, including sawfish pupping Collectively, these other natural or facilitate the development of grounds, may be affected as climate manmade factors may be affecting the conservation efforts by states and other change changes patterns in freshwater continued existence of the narrow, entities that sufficiently improve a flow due to rainfall and droughts. dwarf, largetooth, green, and the non- species’ status so as to make listing the Skewed salinities in these areas or U.S. DPS of smalltooth sawfish. Based species as threatened or endangered extreme tide levels might discourage on the results from our extinction risk unnecessary. adults from making up-river migrations analysis and information on other man- Two basic criteria were established in (Clark, 2006). Saltwater marsh grass and made factors affecting all five species of mangrove areas play important roles in sawfish, this factor is contributing to the PECE to use in evaluating efforts sawfish habitat as well (Simpfendorfer their extinction risk. identified in conservations plans, et al., 2010); any disruption to these conservation agreements, management areas may affect sawfish populations. Overall Risk Summary plans or similar documents: (1) The There is little agreement, however, on After considering the extinction risks, certainty that the conservation efforts the effects that climate change will have both threat-based and demographic, for will be implemented; and (2) the on sawfish and their environments each of the five species of sawfish, we certainty that the efforts will be specifically (Clark, 2006; Chin et al., have determined the narrow, dwarf, effective. When we evaluate the 2010). largetooth, and green sawfish and the certainty of whether or not the Red tide is the common name for a non-U.S. DPS of smalltooth sawfish are formalized conservation effort will be harmful algal bloom (HAB) of marine in danger of extinction throughout all of implemented, we may consider the algae (Karenia brevis) that can make the their ranges due to (1) present or following: Do we have a high level of ocean appear red or brown. Karenia threatened destruction, modification or certainty that that the resources brevis is one of the first species ever curtailment of habitat, (2) necessary to carry out the conservation reported to have caused a HAB and is overutilization for commercial, effort are available? Do the parties to the principally distributed throughout the recreational, scientific, or educational conservation effort have the authority to Gulf of Mexico, with occasional red purposes, (3) inadequacy of existing carry it out? Are regulatory or tides in the mid- and south-Atlantic regulatory mechanisms, and (4) other procedural mechanisms in place to United States. Karenia brevis naturally natural or manmade factors affecting carry out the efforts? If the conservation produces a brevetoxin that is absorbed their continued existence, and low effort relies on voluntary participation, directly across the gill membranes of abundance, lack of connectivity, and we will evaluate whether the incentives fish or through ingestion of algal cells. genetic diversity. that are included in the conservation While many HAB species are nontoxic effort will ensure the level of to humans or small mammals, they can Protective Efforts participation necessary to carry out the have significant effects on aquatic Section 4(b)(1)(A) of the ESA requires conservation effort. In evaluating the organisms. Fish mortalities associated the Secretary, when making a listing certainty that a conservation effort will with K. brevis events are very common determination for a species, to take into be effective, we may consider the and widespread. The mortalities affect consideration those efforts, if any, being following: Does the effort describe the hundreds of species during various made by any State or foreign nation to nature and extent of the threats to the stages of development. Red tide toxins protect the species. In judging the species to be addressed and how these can cause intoxication in fish, which effectiveness of efforts not yet threats are reduced by the conservation may include violent twisting and implemented, or those existing effort? Does the effort establish specific corkscrew swimming, defecation and protective efforts that are not yet fully conservation objectives? Does the effort

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identify the appropriate steps to reduce that the capture of individuals for carry out all of the objectives, (3) the threats to the species? And does the aquaria was not likely to be detrimental regulatory or procedural mechanisms effort include quantifiable performance to the population. Later, at the CITES are not in place to carry out the measures to monitor both compliance 16th Annual Conference of the Parties objectives, (4) and the conservation and effectiveness? Overall, we need to meeting in March of 2013, Australia efforts rely on voluntary participation be certain that the formalized proposed the transfer of P. microdon that does not have incentives that are conservation effort improves the status from Appendix II to Appendix I, and the included in the conservation effort that of the species at the time we make a measure was adopted and became will ensure the level of participation listing determination. The PECE Policy effective on 12 June 2013. Therefore, necessary to effectively carry out the also states that last-minute agreements live trade of P. pristis (P. microdon) is conservation effort. Based on the lack of (i.e., those that are developed just before currently banned and all commercial certainty that the conservation efforts or after a species is proposed for listing) trade of all sawfishes is banned per will be implemented we determined the often have little chance of affecting the CITES Appendix I listing. strategy does not satisfy the PECE outcome of a listing decision. Last- The recent banning of all trade of P. policy’s standards for certainty of minute efforts are also less likely to be pristis (P. microdon) for aquaria trade is implementation and effectiveness. able to demonstrate that they will be a good conservation measure for the The Australian Government, implemented and effective in reducing species and meets all of the criteria for Department of the Environment, or removing the threats to a species. In implementation and effectiveness. The published a Draft Recovery Plan for addition, there are circumstances in recently adopted CITES Appendix I Sawfish and River Sharks (Plan) in 2014 which the threats to a species are so listing for largetooth sawfish only bans (Department of Environment, 2014). The imminent and/or complex that is will be the live trade of the fish from Australia Draft Plan covers three sawfish species almost impossible to develop an to approved foreign aquaria, all other (P. pristis, P. zijsron, and P. clavata). agreement or plan that includes trade was banned with the 2007 listing. The Plan identifies specific actions and conservation efforts that will result in Only 11 largetooth sawfish were objectives necessary to stop local making the listing unnecessary. A approved for aquaria trade when the decline of sawfish and river sharks and conservation effort that satisfies the largetooth sawfish was listed under promotes their recovery. The goal of the criteria for implementation and CITES Appendix I with the annotation Draft Plan is to assist with the recovery effectiveness is considered when for aquaria trade. The recent CITES of sawfish in Australian waters in two making a listing determination, but may Appendix I listing for largetooth sawfish ways: (1) Improving the population not ultimately change the risk is not likely to significantly affect the status leading to the removal of the assessment for the species. Using the species outside of the limited area sawfish from the protected species list criteria identified in our PECE Policy we (Australia) where they were removed of EPBC; and (2) ensuring anthropogenic evaluated conservation efforts to protect from the wild for aquaria display. Given actives do not hinder the recovery in the and recover the five sawfish species that live trade of P. pristis (P. microdon) for near future, or impact the conservation are either underway but not yet fully aquaria use is not a threat leading to the status of the species in the future. We implemented, or are only planned. extinction risk of the species, we evaluated the certainty of whether or conclude the full CITES Appendix I not the Draft Plan would be CITES restricts the trade of live listing may satisfy the PECE policy’s implemented. We determined that the animals to a vast array of wildlife standards for implementation and strategy has a high level of uncertainty products derived from them, including effectiveness, but the impact of this regarding implementation because: (1) food products, musical instruments, measure is considered insignificant. The Draft Plan does not have dedicated tourist curios and medicines. Many Australia may be effective at enforcing funding so the resources necessary to wildlife species in trade are not trade policies, but the recent Appendix carry out the conservation efforts may endangered, but the existence of an I listing of P. microdon (largetooth not be available, and (2) the Draft Plan agreement to ensure the sustainability of sawfish) alone, is not sufficient to is dependent on the participation of the trade is important in order to protect the species throughout its range. voluntary groups or organizations (e.g., safeguard these resources for the future. The IUCN Shark Specialist Group, in indigenous community groups and non- All sawfishes in the family Pristidae collaboration with a large number of the governmental organizations) to carry out were listed on Appendix I of CITES at national and international stakeholders some of the actions. Based on the lack the 14th Conference of the Parties in sawfish conservation, developed A of certainty that the Draft Plan will be meeting in 2007. An Appendix I listing Global Strategy for Sawfish implemented, we determined the Draft bans all commercial trade in parts (e.g., Conservation (Harrison and Dulvy, Plan does not satisfy the PECE policy’s rostral teeth, rostra, liver, and fins) or 2014). The strategy identifies the actions standards for certainty of derivatives of sawfish with trade in required to achieve recovery for all implementation and effectiveness. specimens of these species permitted sawfishes. The strategy outlines seven only in exceptional circumstances (e.g., objectives that are necessary to achieve Listing Determinations for research purposes). At that time, an recovery of all sawfishes: Fisheries Section 4(b)(1) of the ESA requires annotation to the Appendix I listing management, species protection, habitat that we make listing determinations allowed the largetooth sawfish P. conservation, trade limitation, strategic based solely on the best scientific and microdon (herein P. pristis) to be treated research, education and commercial data available after as Appendix II ‘‘for the exclusive communication, and responsible conducting a review of the status of the purpose of allowing international trade husbandry. We evaluated the certainty species and taking into account those in live animals to appropriate and of whether or not the strategy would be efforts, if any, being made by any state acceptable aquaria for primarily implemented and determined that (1) or foreign nation, or political conservation purposes.’’ The annotation the strategy does not have a high level subdivisions thereof, to protect and was accepted on the basis that of certainty that the resources necessary conserve the species. We have reviewed Australian populations of P. microdon to carry out the conservation effort are the best available scientific and were robust relative to other available, (2) that the strategy team commercial information including the populations in the species’ range, and members do not have the authority to petition, and the information in the

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review of the status of the five species Recovery Plans designate critical habitat for these of sawfishes, and we have consulted NMFS may develop a recovery plan or species in their occupied range. We can designate critical habitat in with species experts. plans for these species after considering unoccupied areas in U.S. jurisdiction, if We are responsible for determining the conservation benefit to the species we determine the areas are essential for whether narrow sawfish (A. cuspidata), per ESA sections 4(f)(1) and 4(f)(1)(A). the conservation of the species. Only the dwarf sawfish (P. clavata), largetooth Section 4 (f)(1) of the ESA directs NMFS largetooth sawfish (P. pristis, formerly P. sawfish (P. pristis), green sawfish (P. to develop and implement recovery perotteti) has a range that once included zijsron), and the non-U.S. DPS of plans for the conservation and survival smalltooth sawfish (P. pectinata) are occasional use of U.S. waters, with of listed species, unless we find that approximately 39 confirmed records (33 threatened or endangered under the such a plan will not promote the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). We have in Texas) from 1910 through 1961. All conservation of the species. Section records of P. pristis in U.S. waters were followed a stepwise approach as 4(f)(1)(A) further directs us, to the outlined above in making this listing adults, mostly during the summer maximum extent practicable, to give months. U.S. waters were a limited part determination for these five species of priority in developing plans to those sawfish. We have determined that of the historic range, likely used for species that will most likely benefit periodic, seasonal foraging movements. narrow sawfish (A. cuspidata); dwarf from such plans. sawfish (P. clavata); largetooth sawfish There is no evidence of U.S. waters (P. pristis); green sawfish (P. zijsron); Identifying Section 7 Consultation supporting any other biological and the non-U.S. DPS of smalltooth Requirements functions like breeding or nursery areas. Therefore, we believe reestablishment sawfish (P. pectinata) constitute species Section 7(a)(2) (16 U.S.C. 1536(a)(2)) as defined by the ESA. We have back into U.S. waters is not required for of the ESA and NMFS/USFWS the recovery of P. pristis. Based on the conducted an extinction risk analysis regulations require Federal agencies to and concluded that the risk of best available information we have not consult with us to ensure that activities identified unoccupied areas in U.S. extinction for all five species of sawfish authorized, funded, or carried out are jurisdiction that are essential to the is high, now and in the foreseeable not likely to jeopardize the continued conservation of any of the five sawfish future. We have assessed the threats existence of listed species or destroy or species. Therefore, we do not intend to affecting the status of each species using adversely modify critical habitat. The designate critical habitat for the narrow, the five factors identified in section requirement to consult applies to these dwarf, largetooth, green, or the non-U.S. 4(a)(1) of the ESA and concluded the Federal agency actions in the United DPS of smalltooth sawfish. narrow, dwarf, largetooth, green, and States and on the high seas. The five the non-U.S. DPS of smalltooth sawfish sawfishes all occur in the waters of Identification of Those Activities That face ongoing threats from habitat foreign nations, where there would be Would Constitute a Violation of Section alteration, overutilization for no consultation requirement. It is 9 of the ESA commercial and recreational purposes, possible, but highly unlikely, that the On July 1, 1994, NMFS and FWS inadequacy of existing regulatory listing of the five species of sawfish published a policy (59 FR 34272) that mechanisms, and other natural or under the ESA may result in a minor requires us to identify, to the maximum manmade factors affecting their increase in the number of Section 7 extent practicable at the time a species continued existence throughout their consultations for high seas activities. is listed, those activities that would or ranges. Therefore, we find that all five Critical Habitat would not constitute a violation of species of sawfishes are in danger of section 9 of the ESA. Because we are extinction throughout all of their ranges. Critical habitat is defined in Section listing all five sawfishes as endangered, After considering efforts being made to 3 of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1532(5)) as: (1) all of the prohibitions of section 9(a)(1) protect these sawfishes, we could not The specific areas within the of the ESA will apply to all five species. conclude the proposed conservation geographical area occupied by a species, These include prohibitions against the efforts would alter the extinction risk for at the time it is listed in accordance import, export, use in foreign any of these five sawfishes. with the ESA, on which are found those commerce, and ‘‘take’’ of the species. physical or biological features (a) Effects of Listing Take is defined as ‘‘to harass, harm, essential to the conservation of the pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, Conservation measures provided for species and (b) that may require special capture, or collect, or to attempt to species listed as endangered or management considerations or engage in any such conduct.’’ These threatened under the ESA include protection; and (2) specific areas outside prohibitions apply to all persons subject recovery actions (16 U.S.C. 1533(f)); the geographical area occupied by a to the jurisdiction of the United States, Federal agency requirements to consult species at the time it is listed upon a including in the United States or on the with NMFS and to ensure its actions do determination that such areas are high seas. The intent of this policy is to not jeopardize the species or result in essential for the conservation of the increase public awareness of the effects adverse modification or destruction of species. Critical habitat shall not be of this listing on proposed and ongoing critical habitat should it be designated designated in foreign countries or other activities within the species’ range. (16 U.S.C. 1536); designation of critical areas outside U.S. jurisdiction (50 CFR Activities that we believe could result in habitat if prudent and determinable (16 424.12 (h)). a violation of Section 9 prohibitions of U.S.C. 1533(a)(3)(A)); and prohibitions The best available scientific and these five sawfishes include, but are not on taking (16 U.S.C. 1538). An commercial data show that the limited to, the following: additional benefit of listing beyond geographical areas occupied by the (1) Take within the U.S. or its these legal requirements is that the narrow sawfish (A. cuspidata), dwarf territorial sea, or upon the high seas; recognition of the species’ plight sawfish (P. clavata), green sawfish (P. (2) Possessing, delivering, through listing promotes conservation zijsron), largetooth sawfish (P. pristis), transporting, or shipping any sawfish actions by Federal and state agencies, and the non-U.S. DPS of smalltooth part that was illegally taken; foreign entities, private groups, and sawfish (P. pectinata) are entirely (3) Delivering, receiving, carrying, individuals. outside U.S. jurisdiction, so we cannot transporting, or shipping in interstate or

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foreign commerce any sawfish or (1) Take of a sawfish authorized by a research or the enhancement of the sawfish part, in the course of a 10(a)(1)(a) permit authorized by, and propagation or survival of the species. commercial activity, even if the original carried out in accordance with the terms Section 11(f) of the ESA gives NMFS taking of the sawfish was legal; and conditions of an ESA section authority to promulgate regulations that (4) Selling or offering for sale in 10(a)(1)(a) permit issued by NMFS for may be appropriate to enforce the ESA. interstate commerce any sawfish part, purposes of scientific research or the Future regulations may be promulgated except antique articles at least 100 years enhancement of the propagation or to regulate trade or holding of sawfish, old; survival of the species; if necessary. The public will be given (5) Importing or exporting sawfish or (2) Incidental take of a sawfish the opportunity to comment on future any sawfish part to or from any country; resulting from Federally authorized, proposed regulations. (6) Releasing captive sawfish into the funded, or conducted projects for which Policies on Peer Review wild. Although sawfish held non- consultation under section 7 of the ESA In December 2004, the Office of commercially in captivity at the time of has been completed, and when the Management and Budget (OMB) issued listing are exempt from certain otherwise lawful activity is conducted a Final Information Quality Bulletin for prohibitions, the individual animals are in accordance with any terms and Peer Review establishing a minimum considered listed and afforded most of conditions granted by NMFS in an peer review standard. Similarly, a joint the protections of the ESA, including incidental take statement in a biological NMFS/FWS policy (59 FR 34270; July 1, most importantly the prohibitions opinion pursuant to section 7 of the 1994) requires us to solicit independent ESA; against injuring or killing. Release of a expert review from qualified specialists, (3) Continued possession of sawfish captive animal has the potential to concurrent with the public comment parts that were in possession at the time injure or kill the animal. Of an even period. The intent of the joint peer of listing. Such parts may be non- greater conservation concern, the release review policy is to ensure that listings of a captive animal has the potential to commercially exported or imported; are based on the best scientific and affect wild populations of sawfish however the importer or exporter must commercial data available. We formally through introduction of diseases or be able to provide sufficient evidence to solicited expert opinion of three inappropriate genetic mixing. show that the parts meet the criteria of appropriate and independent specialists Depending on the circumstances of the ESA section 9(b)(1) (i.e., held in a regarding the scientific and commercial case, NMFS may authorize the release of controlled environment at the time of data or assumptions related to the a captive animal through a section listing, non-commercial activity); information considered for listing. 10(a)(1)(a) permit; and (4) Continued possession of live We considered peer reviewer (7) Engaging in experimental or sawfish that were in captivity or in a comments in making our determination. potentially injurious veterinary care or controlled environment (e.g., in aquaria) We conclude that these experts’ reviews conducting research or breeding at the time of this listing, so long as the satisfy the requirements for ‘‘adequate activities on captive sawfish, outside the prohibitions under ESA section 9(a)(1) [prior] peer review’’ contained in the bounds of normal animal husbandry are not violated. Again, facilities should Information Quality Bulletin for Peer practices. Normal care of captive be able to provide evidence that the Review and the joint NMFS/FWS policy animals necessarily entails handling or sawfish were in captivity or in a (59 FR 34270; July 1, 1994). other manipulation of the animals, and controlled environment prior to listing. NMFS does not consider such activities We suggest such facilities submit References to constitute take or harassment of the information to us on the sawfish in their A complete list of the references used animals so long as adequate care, possession (e.g., size, age, description of in this final rule is available on the including adequate veterinary care is animals, and the source and date of Internet at http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/ provided. Such veterinary care includes acquisition) to establish their claim of protected_resources/sawfish/. possession (see For Further Information confining, tranquilizing, or Classification anesthetizing sawfishes when such Contact); practices, procedures, or provisions are (5) Provision of care for live sawfish National Environmental Policy Act not likely to result in injury. Captive that were in captivity at the time of The 1982 amendments to the ESA, in breeding of sawfish is considered listing. These individuals are still section 4(b)(1)(A), restrict the experimental and potentially injurious. protected under the ESA and may not be information that may be considered Furthermore, the production of sawfish killed or injured, or otherwise harmed, when assessing species for listing. Based progeny has conservation implications and, therefore, must receive proper care. on this limitation of criteria for a listing (both positive and negative) for wild Normal care of captive animals decision and the opinion in Pacific populations. Experimental or necessarily entails handling or other Legal Foundation v. Andrus, 675 F. 2d potentially injurious veterinary manipulation of the animals, and we do 825 (6th Cir. 1981), NMFS has procedures and research or breeding not consider such activities to constitute concluded that ESA listing actions are activities of sawfish may, depending on take or harassment of the animals so not subject to the environmental the circumstances, be authorized under long as adequate care, including assessment requirements of the National an ESA 10(a)(1)(a) permit for scientific adequate veterinary care is provided. Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (See research or the enhancement of the Such veterinary care includes confining, NOAA Administrative Order 216–6). propagation or survival of the species. tranquilizing, or anesthetizing sawfish We have identified, to the extent when such practices, procedures, or Executive Order 12866, Regulatory known at this time, specific activities provisions are not likely to result in Flexibility Act, and Paperwork that will not be considered likely to injury; and Reduction Act result in a violation of Section 9. (6) Any importation or exportation of As noted in the Conference Report on Although not binding, we consider the live sawfish or sawfish parts with all the 1982 amendments to the ESA, following actions, depending on the accompanying CITES import and export economic impacts cannot be considered circumstances, as not being prohibited permits and an ESA section 10(a)(1)(a) when assessing the status of a species. by ESA Section 9: permit for purposes of scientific Therefore, the economic analysis

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requirements of the Regulatory species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and ■ 2. In § 224.101, paragraph (h), amend Flexibility Act are not applicable to the recordkeeping requirements, and the table by: listing process. In addition, this final Transportation. ■ A. Removing the ‘‘Sawfish, rule is exempt from review under Dated: December 8, 2014. largetooth’’ and the ‘‘Sawfish, Executive Order 12866. This final rule Samuel D. Rauch, III, smalltooth (United States DPS)’’ entries. does not contain a collection-of- information requirement for the Deputy Assistant Administrator for ■ B. Adding entries for five new sawfish Regulatory Programs, National Marine species in alphabetic order by Scientific purposes of the Paperwork Reduction Fisheries Service. Act. name under ‘‘Fishes’’: For the reasons set out in the Executive Order 13132, Federalism preamble, 50 CFR part 224 is amended § 224.101 Enumeration of endangered In accordance with E.O. 13132, we as follows: marine and anadromous species. determined that this final rule does not * * * * * have significant Federalism effects and PART 224—ENDANGERED MARINE AND ANADROMOUS SPECIES (h) The endangered species under the that a Federalism assessment is not jurisdiction of the Secretary of required. ■ 1. The authority citation for part 224 Commerce are: List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 224 continues to read as follows: Administrative practice and Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531–1543 and 16 procedure, Endangered and threatened U.S.C 1361 et seq.

1 Species Citation(s) for listing Critical ESA Common name Scientific name Description of listed entity determination(s) habitat rules

******* FISHES

******* Sawfish, dwarf ...... Pristis clavata ...... Entire species ...... [Insert Federal Register NA NA citation] 12/12/2014. Sawfish, green ...... Pristis zijsron ...... Entire species ...... [Insert Federal Register NA NA citation] 12/12/2014. Sawfish, largetooth ...... Pristis pristis (formerly Entire species ...... [Insert Federal Register NA NA Pristis perotteti, Pristis citation] 12/12/2014. pristis, and Pristis microdon). Sawfish, narrow ...... Anoxypristis cuspidata ...... Entire species ...... [Insert Federal Register NA NA citation] 12/12/2014. Sawfish, smalltooth (Non- Pristis pectinata ...... Smalltooth sawfish origi- [Insert Federal Register NA NA U.S. DPS). nating from non-U.S. citation] 12/12/2014. waters.

******* 1 Species includes taxonomic species, subspecies, distinct population segments (DPSs) (for a policy statement, see 61 FR 4722, February 7, 1996), and evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) (for a policy statement, see 56 FR 58612, November 20, 1991).

* * * * * [FR Doc. 2014–29201 Filed 12–11–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P

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