CONSERVATION PLAN FOR LARGETOOTH SAWFISH (PRISTIS PRISTIS), IN COLOMBIA. By: FUNDESABANAS CORPORATION
SUMMARY
The management plans for the 1 Inventory and knowledge of the conservation of specific species and species. ecosystems are mainly based on the 2. Sustainable management and use. approach of guides that allow linking and promoting adequate management for 3. Education and community their preservation. The applicability and participation. success of such management depend 4. Information and disclosure. mainly on the implementation of action plans with different lines by 5. Institutional strategic alliances for environmental authorities such as CAR the conservation and UMATAS, research institutes, private and public universities, governmental and Each line of action includes objectives, non-governmental organizations, and goals, actions, indicators, responsible other actors involved in the country. parties involved and deadlines; focused on the conservation and protection of the For this reason, an articulation of actors species in an effective and sustainable is necessary as a strategic alliance for the way, promoting education and awareness conservation and protection of the about its cultural, historical and biological captain of the Large tooth Sawfish (Pristis importance within and outside the pristis), using five lines of action ecosystem of the jurisdiction of the associated with the National Regional Autonomous Corporation - Conservation Program of this endemic CARSUCRE, implementing awareness- species of Colombia, that allow the use raising mechanisms and community and guarantee of tactics to strengthen participation, likewise, are aimed at the the environmental management plan, development of legal tools that guarantee unifying efforts at the regional and the conservation of the Largetooth national levels. Sawfish (Pristis pristis) in its natural The lines of action of this Management habitat according to the social, economic and Conservation Plan are organized as and cultural panorama of the nation. follows:
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1. SYSTESIS OF THE TARGET SPECIES 1.1. TAXONOMY In the region there was no clarity regarding the recognized species, where Order Rhinopristiformes Pristis perotteti and P. pristis were Family Pristidae distinguished as separate taxa. Faria et Common name al. (2013) recognized a total of five Sawfish, Guacapá, Sawtooth teeth species in two genera, where Pristis large, largetooth sawfish pristis, Pristis microdon and P. perotteti
were unified in the P. pristis taxon. Synonymy Recently the Pristiformes order was modified to Rhinopristiformes (Naylor et Pristis microdon Latham, 1794 al. 2012). Pristis perotteti Valenciennes, in Müller & Henle, 1841 Pristis zephyreus Jordan & Starks, 1895 Global Category Taxonomic note Critically Endangered A2cd
1.2. JUSTIFICATION knowledge of artisanal fishermen, that it is probable that there are no natural Pristis pristis is a species that presented populations in the area (Caldas et al . a wide distribution in the southern 2014). Caribbean and the Colombian Pacific, and that was considered Critically Endangered in the previous national 1.3. Diagnosis evaluation under the name of Pristis perotteti, taking into account that its last Previously depressed body, whose face is records dated from more than 20 at 9 prolonged in the form of a saw with a row years in the Colombian Caribbean and of prominent teeth on each side (14 to 20 Pacific, respectively (Acero et al. 2002). pairs). Posterior region of the head, trunk The size of their populations is assumed and pectoral fins slightly enlarged to be minimal given their high forming a triangular disc. Eyes and vulnerability to fishing (industrial and spiracles on the top of the head, artisanal) and the deterioration of their transverse and straight mouth, without habitats. beards or grooves, small, numerous teeth and arranged in a band along the jaws. Currently, there is evidence of the Nostrils anteriorly and completely presence of 18 mature specimens of this separated from the mouth. Two large species in the Colombian Caribbean and widely separated dorsal fins and tail fin it is suggested, based on the traditional
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lobes well differentiated. Coloring: Marine Yurumanguí, Naya, Sanquianga, Bahía individuals are brown to dark gray, while Solano, Bahía Málaga and Gorgona freshwater individuals are gray with some (Rubio 1988, Rubio and Estupiñán 1992, reddish areas; the first dorsal fin may be Acero et al. 2002, Mejía-Falla et al. 2007, pale yellow with reddish free end. Size: it SQUALUS Foundation unpublished data). can reach up to 7 m LT and a weight of Depth range: 1-10 m (Robertson et al. 600 kg, although it is common up to 4 m 2015, Robertson and Allen 2015). (Cervigón et al. 1992, Cervigón and
Alcalá 1999, McEachran and de Carvalho 2002a, Robertson and Allen 2015, 1.4. Population Robertson et al. 2015). Although there are no specific population data for Colombia, fishermen from different Pacific regions indicate that individuals of this species used to see more frequently, especially in shallow waters and river mouths. The last record for the Pacific corresponds to an individual caught by an artisanal fisherman with a gillnet in November 2007 in Bahía Solano north of Chocó
(Fundación SQUALUS unpublished data); Global geographic distribution: This encounter evidenced the presence of sawfish is distributed global in the the species in the natural environment, western and eastern regions of the but the absence of other records Atlantic, eastern Pacific and Indo-Pacific, suggests a low abundance. in tropical coastal waters, including estuarine areas and river mouths (Kyne In the Colombian Caribbean, the most et al. 2013). National: it has been detailed information on sawfish was registered in different locations in the provided by Dahl (1971), who noted that Colombian Caribbean, specifically on the catches of these specimens were very island of Salamanca, Cartagena Bay, rare by fishermen and that large Cispatá Bay, Urabá Gulf, Atrato River individuals were occasionally mentioned. Basin, Magdalena River and Sinú River For this region, only punctual records of (Dahl 1964, 1971, Álvarez-León and the sawfish are found, which do not have Blanco 1985, Acero et al. 1986, Gómez- verifiable supports in collections of Rodríguez et al. 2014). Artisanal reference or other type of record (i.e. fishermen point it out for the entire filmic or photographic, Grijalba-Bendeck Colombian Pacific, although there are et al. 2009). Taking into account the specific records in Bahía Cuevita (Baudó), number of registers and face extensions Bahía Buenaventura, mouth of the San that have been examined (Caldas et al. Juan river, Gulf of Tortugas, Punta Coco, 2014, Gómez-Rodríguez et al. 2014), it is
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likely that for the Colombian Caribbean and occurrence volume of 1013402 km2 region P. pristis was a less abundant and 9121 km3, respectively, were species compared to P. pectinata, the calculated, assuming a continuous other species recorded in the region. For distribution in this region (Mejía-Falla and the Eastern Tropical Pacific, an extension Navia 2011a).
Figure 1. Plan location. Source: Fundesabanas. 1.5. Ecology Like other species in the family, it is characterized by slow growth, late There is no biological information for the maturity and low fertility, which generally species in Colombia. The sawfish is a contributes to a low intrinsic rate of benthic species, euryhaline (which can population increase, estimated between tolerate a wide range of salinity), which 0.03 and 0.12 in different regions; can generally be found in rivers, lakes, (Simpfendorfer 2000). It is a estuaries, and marine waters at depths lecithotrophic aplacental viviparous generally less than 20 m (Robertson and species, with both functional ovaries, but Allen 2015). Juvenile sawfish prefer mainly uses the left one. In the shallow water, often observed at depths Nicaraguan lake, females give birth to 1 around 0.25 m, which helps them avoid to 13 offspring per litter, measuring predators (Whitty et al. 2009, between 60-76 cm LT, after a gestation Simpfendorfer et al. 2010). It mainly period of five months. The reproductive feeds on fish, which it captures with its cycle is possibly biennial in the western saw that is agitated on the seabed and in Atlantic (Thorson 1976), and appears to the water column (McEachran and di be annual in northern Australia (Peverell Sciara 1995, Harrinson and Dulvy 2014). 2009), where birth sizes between 72-90 cm LT, maturity sizes 300 cm LT are
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suggested for females and 280-300 cm (Caldas et al. 2014, Navia et al. 2008a, LT for males, maturity age 8-10 years and Navia et al. 2009). maximum age 35 years (Thorburn et al. 1.7. Threats 2004, Peverell 2009, Whitty et al. 2008). Because the species is restricted to 1.6. Applications habitats in shallow coastal areas, sawfish The sawfish has historically been in great populations have been strongly affected demand in commerce, with fins, meat, by different human activities over time, rostral extensions, liver and skin being such as habitat degradation and fishing. identified as the main parts of the In the latter case, the interaction commercialization (McDavitt 1996). In becomes greater since sawfish are very Colombia the main product in demand is susceptible to becoming entangled in the saws, which are used as ornaments fishing nets, particularly due to the in restaurants and public places, as well extension of the saw-shaped face (Dahl 1971, Navia et al. 2008a, Navia et al. as to make crafts. Likewise, it is known 2009). Although they are considered rare by artisanal fishermen that meat and fins in fishermen's catches, large specimens were commercialized in the country they present great danger in their manipulation by the saw (Dahl 1971).
Figure 2. Bycatch of sawfish. Source: Fundesabanas.
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1.8. Conservation measures taken taking into account that populations in some distribution areas have apparently In Colombia there are no specific been extirpated, with a significant conservation measures for this species; reduction in their extent of occurrence however, in the National Action Plan for (Kyne et al. 2013 ). the Conservation and Management of Sharks, Rays and Chimeras of Colombia Proposed conservation measures (PAN-Sharks Colombia), sawfish were In the first edition of the Red Book of identified as species with Very High Marine Fish of Colombia (Acero et al. Priority for conservation, and therefore 2002) the urgent need to establish a total they should be focus research and closure for the species was identified, management efforts on this species however, to date, no specific actions have (Caldas et al. 2010). The PAN-Sharks been developed towards it. Taking into Colombia was adopted by Presidential account that the extinction of this species Decree 1124 of 2013 and involves a is suspected for the Colombian Caribbean monitoring Committee created by and there is a greater probability of Resolution 0272 of 2014 of the Ministry finding individuals in the Pacific region, it of Agriculture, which generates a formal is essential to carry out studies that allow mechanism for the implementation of the confirming or ruling out the presence of actions associated to it in the country, specimens in the natural environment in and that can support future actions for the conservation of the species. Pristis species are listed in Appendix I of the CITES Convention, so their international trade is prohibited and allowed only under particular conditions for non-commercial purposes. Pristis the Caribbean, and evaluating the pristis has been categorized as Critically distribution and abundance in the Pacific. Endangered (CR) globally by IUCN,
2. CONSERVATION PLAN 2.1. LINE OF ACTION 1: INVENTORY AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE SPECIES. Objective Goals Timeline Collect information through an Have a database on the geographical 2 years for the elaboration of maps and inventory of distribution geographic, distribution of the species, including every four years the update of biological and populational of the characteristics morphological, information species, and of the collection biological, habitat and distribution in ichthyological in water bodies of water bodies within Cundinamarca, Cundinamarca in CAR jurisdiction jurisdiction CAR
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Update existing cartography on the distribution of the species captain of the savannah, in which the presence or absence of this, in water bodies within the jurisdiction of the CAR Establish physical conditions, chemical Generate a methodology for taking 2 years and biological habitat Large tooth physical, chemical and biological that Sawfish (Pristis pristis) allow to carry out all research associated with the species. Establish a monitoring system and Preserve the Large tooth Sawfish 2 years monitoring the Large tooth Sawfish (Pristis pristis) in the water bodies of (Pristis pristis), having a control of the CAR territory. itself and thus guarantee the conservation of the species Table 1. Component 1 objectives.
Actions Indicators Stakeholders Find out which are the main Information collected from the Research institutes, government environmental entities and species per semester during the term entities, nongovernment and government who are within the study raised. universities public and private area. Request secondary information from Ichthyological data of the species at
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respective environmental entities and governmental. Elaboration of cartography of the Number of maps produced by two Research institutes, government spatial location of the species in years. entities, nongovernment and Cundinamarca water bodies, CAR universities public and private jurisdiction, where evidence the presence of this, including coordinates, basins, coverage Vegetable and fauna associated with the basin from the river. Diagnose the quality of water bodies Number of physical parameters, Research institutes, government where the sort by implementing of chemical and biological reported by entities, nongovernment and physicochemical parameters and each report generated, based on the universities public and private biological. proposed methodology. Perform periodic monitoring that Number of individuals monitored per Research institutes, government allow you to keep a record of water body entities, nongovernment and individuals in the water bodies of the universities public and private CAR territory
2.2. LINE OF ACTION 2: SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT AND USE. Objective Goals Timeline Diagnosing anthropogenic threats and Generate a matrix that consolidates the 2 years biological that generate impacts different biological risk factors and negatives on the species. anthropic for the species Identify biotic and abiotic factors that Obtain a list of biotic factors antibiotics 2 years favor the increase, the ecological that guarantee the prioritization of connectivity and conservation Large areas for the conservation of the tooth Sawfish (Pristis pristis) in the area species. of jurisdiction Promote conservation initiatives in situ Recover current habitats and potentials 2 years or ex situ for the species and associated of Large tooth Sawfish (Pristis pristis) ecosystems articulating actions with and species associated with it, lines of work investigative around the increasing this way the population and species its area of distribution Establish a crop of the species to starting from parental males guaranteeing the reproduction and sustainment of fry. Determine potential uses of the species Define the potential use of the species. 2 years with a view to promoting development of productive activities between the artisanal fishing community
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Design contingency measures efficient Use of tools that help minimize 2 years for the recovery of aquatic ecosystems environmental impacts during and after during and after to the dredging process dredging as a measure of cleaning of water bodies.
Actions Indicators Stakeholders Identify anthropic activities and Number of anthropic activities and Community surrounding the bodies environmental. environmental by study area water, research institutes, government entities, nongovernment and public universities and private Quantify impacts based on anthropic Number of recorded negative impacts Community surrounding the bodies and environmental activities per monitored water body. water, research institutes, identified. Number of impacts identified by government entities, anthropic and environmental nongovernment and public activities identified universities and private Generate, collect and analyze Number of biotic and abiotic factors Community surrounding the bodies information biotic and abiotic that defined for the conservation of water, research institutes, allows prioritizing connectivity and species government entities, conservation areas of the species Number of aquatic ecosystems nongovernment and public evaluated as priority areas and universities and private conservation of the species Percentage of strategies generated for increased connectivity between ecosystems that report the presence of the species Promote the generation of projects Number of habitats with presence of Community surrounding the bodies investigative and community that the species water, research institutes, guarantee conservation and use Percentage increase in populations government entities, sustainable of the species as well as Percentage increase in populations nongovernment and public its habitat associated. universities and private Promote research initiatives, tending Number of cultivation initiatives of Community surrounding the bodies to achieve breeding and breeding of the species water, research institutes, the species in captivity, for the government entities, purpose of population recovery nongovernment and public universities and private Establish proposals for development Number of productive activities Community surrounding the bodies of productive activities in established in communities water, research institutes, communities settled in the area of government entities, distribution of the species nongovernment and public universities and private
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Study the different impacts Type of dredging due to Community surrounding the bodies environmental caused during the environmental damage caused water, research institutes, process dredging. government entities, nongovernment and public universities and private Establish environmental projects for Number of species extracted by Community surrounding the bodies stabilization and return to the bodies number of species successfully water, research institutes, of the species extracted during the returned to water bodies government entities, dredging process. nongovernment and public universities and private
2.3. Line of action 3: education and community participation For the adequate conservation of the species under study, it is of utmost importance and very necessary that both the community and the political and environmental organizations know through different activities to the captain of the savannah and in this way guarantee the protection of his ecosystem.
Objective Goals Timeline Design an information system and Develop an interactive platform in which 2 yesar interactive registration geared towards the community can carry out the report populations near the bodies of interest, the catches of Emetize and its through which make the Emetize catch associated species report and its associated species. Compile information about the fish Select the basic information of the 2 yesar captain of the savannah for drawing of savannah captain fish, for use by the pedagogical tools, designed for the use community within the process of of the community conservation of the species. Produce material and activities Develop pedagogical tools and / or 2 yesar pedagogical for different levels of didactics in more than 60% of the cognitive development on Large tooth study. Sawfish (Pristis pristis)
Actions Indicators Stakeholders Develop digital tools for Number of people trained by number Community surrounding the bodies communication as photos of the of reports water, research institutes, species, online chat among others government entities, that are included on the platform. nongovernment and universities Inform and train the community in public and private the management and use of the platform Classify master fish information from Amount of relevant information Community surrounding the bodies the database savanna coming from selected by general database. water, research institutes, government entities,
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research centers and public and nongovernment and universities private entities public and private Design books, folders, books and Number of pedagogical tools Community surrounding the bodies games interactive on Large tooth elaborated by study area water, research institutes, Sawfish (Pristis pristis) government entities, Apply pedagogical tools designed nongovernment and universities with the community, aimed at public and private conservation of the species.
2.4. Line of action 4: information and disclosure
Objective Goals Timeline Generate spaces in radio programs Broadcasting the program twice by 2 yesar locally and regionally as a tool of the week species Implement informative activities and Two informative and educational 2 yesar educational programs aimed at the activities (Workshops and seminars) community office-to-face way to raise biannual for study area awareness from Large tooth Sawfish (Pristis pristis) state
Actions Indicators Stakeholders Perform a string search radial that Airtime of informational space per Community surrounding the bodies allow a space Large tooth Sawfish number of radial chains. water, research institutes, (Pristis pristis) species information of government entities, the savanna. nongovernment and universities public and private
Prepare didactic workshops with Number of people participating by Community surrounding the bodies different community members like workshops held water, research institutes, fishermen’s associations, leaders’ government entities, community, schools, companies, nongovernment and universities among others. public and private Create an expert panel that develop Total attendees for talks and Community surrounding the bodies informative talks and educational on seminars given water, research institutes, topics related to the Large tooth government entities, Sawfish (Pristis pristis) nongovernment and universities public and private
2.5. Line of action 5: strategic institutional alliances for conservation Objective Goals Timeline
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Strengthen management capacity Establish all strategic alliances possible 2 yesar anointer-institutional coordination forth to benefit compliance of the objectives execution of the Management Plan and of the Management Plan and Conservation of the species in the CAR Conservation in each of its stages territory Promote community participation in the Implement cooperation documents 2 yesar different activities of the Plan regional, local, national or international Management and Conservation of the that guarantee the implementation of fish species Large tooth Sawfish (Pristis plan pristis) Consolidate social responsibility, Prepare responsibility projects social 2 yesar environmental and business of all actors and environmental financed or involved in conservation of the species executed by private entities in the framework of the plan's objectives
Actions Indicators Stakeholders Support and strengthen regional Number of local initiatives, regional, Community surrounding the initiatives and local, national and national or international implemented bodieswater, research institutes, international conservation-oriented government entities, Large tooth Sawfish (Pristis pristis) in nongovernment and universities the CAR territory public and private
Promote the consolidation of Percentage of alliances established in Community surrounding the agreements of inter-institutional the development of the plan lines. bodieswater, research institutes, cooperation and community government entities, participation with thein order to nongovernment and universities manage human resources, logistical public and private and economic that allow the implementation of the plan's actions Encourage the management and Number of responsibility projects Community surrounding the participation of companies and social and environmental bodieswater, research institutes, private entities of the region implemented by companies in the government entities, region. nongovernment and universities public and private
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