The largetooth sawfish, distinctively known for it's saw-like snout, has become considered a federally endangered species. This is because of the BP oil spill affecting the Gulf of Mexico. It officially became an endangered species on May 7th, a mere 3 weeks after the event. Other than visibly harmed animals like seagulls and dolphins, bottom-dwelling organisms are being affected negatively as well. This includes the largetooth sawfish and it's relative, the smalltooth sawfish. Although the smalltooth has been an endangered species since 2003, the oil spill has continued to dwindle their populations.
The largetooth and smalltooth sawfish migrate up the Central American coast in the summers. The oil spill will destroy their habitat and make it impossible for them to continue to migrate. In turn, they will have nowhere to go. Their population will decrease and will take some time to rebound again. Sawfish have relatively slow growth rates along with late maturity, making reproduction a slower process.
As this article has shown, the destruction from the oil spill is ultimately harming everyone. Humans, land animals and deep sea animals are all impacted from this devestating event. Something more productive needs to be enforced to save what's left of the marine life. They are adversely being affected quickly, to the point of extinction. If conditions are kept this way who knows what will be left of the Gulf of Mexico.
University of Florida (2010, May 27). Oil Spill Threatens marine predator that is cultural and historic icon. ScienceDaily. Retrived May 27, 2010.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
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