Common sawfish, Pristis pristis, makes its appearance after 14 years in Peru

The common sawfish (Pristis pristis) is critically endangered because its populations have suffered large reductions according to the International Union for Conservation (IUCN). Currently, the international scientific... [ view full abstract ]

The common sawfish (Pristis pristis) is critically endangered because its populations have suffered large reductions according to the International Union for Conservation (IUCN). Currently, the international scientific community, specializing in the group of sawfish, believes that the common sawfish could have been extirpated from Peru. The latest evidence for this species in Peru comes from the 1990s and is a legally captured and commercialized species. Recent field evaluations and commercial fishing activities in the Tumbes area resulted in the reporting of two individuals of sawfish caught in Peruvian waters. The individuals were registered in 2014 and 2015, were of an adult size and both were reported in the austral summer. Both individuals were caught by gill nets and one was released while the other was commercialized. These reports are the first evidence of its presence in the north of Peru after 14 years, showing that the species has not been extirpated and that Peruvian waters are still the southern limit of its distribution in the Eastern Pacific. In addition, it is hypothesized that its presence in Peru may be seasonal. These encounters show that the incidental catch by gill nets is a threat to the species. This report highlights the importance and need for more research and awareness-raising efforts, as well as providing legal protection for this species.