The fisherman was trying to free him, but needed help.
MCSO's Marine Unit including Sgt. Donald Plant, D/S Michael Joseph, Captain Mike Ewing, and Sgt. Jaime Foster headed to location on the St. Lucie River and were able to locate the struggling sawfish.
With a little work, they were able to free it.
Another great job by our Marine Unit, and a special thanks to the commercial fisherman who, without hesitation, called MCSO to help save this endangered species.
(Martin County Sheriff's Office - June 25, 2013)
What is a sawfish?
"Sawfish Is First Sea Fish on U.S. Endangered List" - A strange-looking fish has snapped up a spot on the endangered species list. The smalltooth sawfish is the first U.S. marine fish to receive federal protection as an endangered species.
"In one regard, it's a sad thing that this species has fallen so low," said Georgia Cranmore, assistant regional administrator for protected species at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service southeast region. On the other hand, said Cranmore, the new listing will hopefully start a turnaround for the species.
Sawfish are considered one of the most endangered fish species in the world. All seven species of sawfish are listed on the World Conservation Union's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Florida state law has protected the sawfish since 1992. -- National Geographic News, June 4, 2003
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