"With wild populations of smalltooth sawfish declining at a rapid rate and a very small number in zoological facilities around the world, this achievement is a critical first step in creating a sustainable managed population,” says Michelle Liu, Senior Vice President of Marine and Water Park Operations.

“Atlantis, Paradise Island is committed to helping save this endangered species throughout the world in conjunction with other organizations and industry professionals.”  “We are also partnering with the Nature Conservancy, Bahamas National Trust and The Blue Project to protect the valuable habitats of the smalltooth sawfish in The Bahamas.”

Sawfish are primarily inshore or near shore marine animals and coastal development has destroyed much of the natural environment where sawfish would typically live. Sawfish are normally found in and around habitats such as mangrove creeks and shallow grass flats, but unfortunately, these areas are usually targeted for land fill and dredging.  These practices destroy the natural habitat of the sawfish and are the leading factors in their declining population. In the past, humans caught and killed sawfish for their meat, liver oil, fins and rostra.

The four offspring pups averaged 76 cm (30 in) in length at birth and were initially transferred to the fish hospital to be protected from other predatory species and closely monitored for several months by the Aquarium Husbandry staff and Veterinarian team.

Along with this endangered species, Caribbean reef sharks and blacknose sharks were also born in an aquarium for the first time at Atlantis. Collecting invaluable data on the reproduction of sawfish and sharks provides us with critical information to help save them in the wild.