The decline in sawfish populations worldwide has prompted the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) to list all sawfish species as “Endangered” on the IUCN Red List, with the smalltooth sawfish, largetooth sawfish, and green sawfish being listed as “Critically Endangered.” They are a fish characterized by long life, slow growth, late maturity, and low fecundity, making them extremely vulnerable to any changes that may reduce their population.

Educating the public, particularly anglers, regarding the protected status of sawfish and proper handling and safe release procedures is essential to recovering sawfish populations around the globe.

The International Sawfish Encounter Database (ISED) contains voluntarily reported sawfish captures and sightings collected from around the world. These records assist conservation efforts by allowing scientists to determine sawfish occurrence and distribution, and to evaluate habitat use and continuing threats to these dwindling populations.

The ISED provides these important data to scientists, managers, and government agencies worldwide for use in conservation and management decisions pertaining to endangered sawfish populations.

Through outreach efforts the ISED seeks to nurture public appreciation and stewardship for sawfish which will further serve to safeguard their populations and prevent extinction.