International Sawfish Day (ISD) was established as a collaboration between the Sawfish Species Survival Plan (SSP) of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) studbook program, as well as research and conservation organisations. Celebrated annually on the 17th October, ISD aims to raise awareness of sawfish and the challenges they face in our world's oceans.
Sawfish are listed by the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) on Appendix I which restricts their trade. Unfortunately, all five species of sawfish remain endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with Green sawfish listed as critically endangered.
Each year, The Deep hosts an event to celebrate International Sawfish Day and raise awareness of the threats they face. Keep an eye on our What's On page to find out more details about the next upcoming ISD event, where you can come along and get involved in plenty of activities.