Green Sawfish Populations Drop Over 80 Percent
A new review reveals the species has disappeared from over half its historical range, with limited protection currently in place.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Environmental
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A comprehensive review of 123 peer-reviewed studies suggests green sawfish populations have declined by more than 80% over the last 50 years. Researchers now warn that the species' range has contracted from 37 countries to only 14, with most remaining individuals located in Australian waters.
Why it matters
The rapid decline of green sawfish, driven primarily by fishing and coastal habitat loss, underscores the fragility of large marine predators in changing ecosystems. This assessment provides a baseline for conservation efforts, highlighting that current protection levels in Australia are inadequate for the species' long-term survival.
Data from 123 studies indicate an 80% population decline over 50 years, with the species now restricted to 14 countries. Only 17% of the Australian population is currently located within designated protected areas.
The players
Ashburton River
A river in the Pilbara region of Australia serving as a key documented nursery site for green sawfish.
The details
Green sawfish are large predators that can reach lengths of 19 to 24 feet and inhabit depths up to 430 feet. Researchers used genetic testing to monitor nursery activity, such as at the Ashburton River in the Pilbara region, where at least 50 female sawfish were documented giving birth over a 15-year period. The species is characterized by a long, flat rostrum, or snout, lined with 23 to 37 teeth on each side, which it uses to forage and defend itself.
Timeline
Researchers reviewed studies published since 2005.
Population decline has occurred over the past 50 years.
Nursery activity was documented in the Ashburton River over 15 years.
The Tech Race
The report highlights that the species' range has retreated from 37 to 14 countries, indicating a catastrophic loss of habitat connectivity. This contraction follows a pattern set by the 1973 Endangered Species Act listing criteria for tracking population decline and species recovery benchmarks.
While the decline of these large predators affects marine biodiversity, the study serves as a critical resource for conservationists and regulators managing coastal development. Policy changes in the 14 remaining range countries may soon dictate stricter fishing and habitat protections.
The takeaway
The drastic 80% decline signals that current efforts are failing to stem the loss of this ancient predator. Watch for new Australian conservation mandates that may expand protected areas beyond the current 17% threshold to stabilize the population.
Further reading
For broader trends in habitat monitoring, visit Environmental.
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Should the government implement stricter fishing regulations to help recover endangered aquatic species?
