Endangered Sawfish: IUCN Strategy Released as Global Protection Proposed

Shark Specialists Prioritize Recovery of World’s Largest, Most Threatened Rays

PRESS RELEASE | Durban, South Africa | June 5, 2014

Credit David Wachenfeld: Largetooth sawfish Pristis pristis in an aquarium

The Shark Specialist Group (SSG) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is today releasing a global strategy to prevent extinction and promote recovery of sawfishes, which have been devastated worldwide by overfishing and habitat loss. The strategy is being launched at the Sharks International conference in Durban and coincides with announcements that two West Africa countries -- Guinea and Guinea Bissau -- are proposing the listing of sawfishes under the Convention on Migratory Species in November, which could significantly boost protections.

Read More