Strange fish behavior in Florida sparks emergency government response
An endangered fish found off the coast of Florida is exhibiting strange behavior, including "spinning and whirling." The government is mounting an emergency response.
The U.S. government is mounting an emergency response in an effort to save a unique and endangered fish found off the coast of Florida.
The details are strange. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Wednesday that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission had received reports of “abnormal fish behavior, including spinning and whirling” affecting roughly 40 species of fish, and that there had also been reports of fish deaths.
Concerns center on the smalltooth sawfish, a species that is part of the ray family and known for its long, flat nose, which is accentuated by sharp teeth and looks much like a saw (hence the name). It is listed by NOAA as an endangered species, and was “the first marine fish to receive federal protection,” according to the agency. Sawfish can grow up to 16 feet in length.
The cause of the bizarre behavior and deaths remains undetermined.
“It’s a mystery,” said Adam Brame, the sawfish recovery coordinator for the National Marine Fisheries Service, a part of NOAA. “Our partners are working around the clock to try to reach a decision on what has caused this fish health event.”
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