The journey continues: Back in your city with four times the teeth

by Barbara | Sep 16, 2024 | Blog | 0 comments

Figure 1. Samples, polished, slided and ready for analysis! Image by Nikki Biskis.

By Nikki Biskis

And now the moment of truth! I am currently at the University of Adelaide, working at Adelaide Microscopy, where a spot and/or line along each sawfish tooth is vaporised via a laser and then the chemical composition read in a process called Induction Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS).

Preliminary Findings

Last year around this time, I ran a pilot study of 40 spot tests, transect analyses, and even complete mapping of individual sawfish teeth. Preliminary results indicated that trace element analysis can resolve the origin at the regional level, potentially narrowing down the capture location by hundreds of kilometres. This precision allows for more accurate incorporation of rostra data into risk maps, highlighting areas where sawfish populations are most vulnerable to ongoing fishing pressures. Now, with further funding from Holsworth and Save Our Seas, we can run the remaining samples and hopefully home in even further.

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Figure 2. Our 2024 run, ready to go. Image by Nikki Biskis.

What’s next?

As I eagerly await the full results, the question remains: What works, and what still needs investigation? The higher precision spatial data will contribute to the development of targeted conservation strategies, ensuring the long-term survival of sawfish in their northern Australian stronghold. It’s an exciting journey that not only deepens our understanding of these Australian icons but also continues momentum in innovative approaches in conservation.

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Thanks laser – I’m happy to be here too. Image by Nikki Biskis.

And now, the best bit – on to stats. If you’re headed to the Australian Society of Fisheries Biology Conference in November, make sure to come say hello.

This project is funded by the Holsworth Grant through the Ecological Society of Australia and the Save Our Seas Foundation. We’d like to additionally thank the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for their ongoing support of our work. This work would also not be possible without the time and expertise of the team at the Gillanders lab at the University of Adelaide, namely Dr Patrick Reis-Santos and Rhiannon Van Eck, and Dr Paul Olin and Dr Sarah Gilbert at Adelaide Spectroscopy.

You can read this blog and more on the Save Our Seas Foundation website.

Unveiling the Secrets of Sawfish: A Journey through Chemical Fingerprints and Conservation

by Barbara | Sep 16, 2024 | Blog | 0 comments

By Nikki Biskis

Sawfishes are iconic species that embody many of the challenges faced in marine conservation. Despite comprehensive protection measures across various levels in Australia, their populations remain under threat from bycatch and illegal fishing for their fins and rostra. Unfortunately, the confiscated or forfeited trophy rostra available for research often come with little to no associated location data. This severely limits their potential for distribution analyses, which are critical for effective conservation strategies.

The Research Journey

As a PhD student at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) and the non-profit organization Sharks And Rays Australia (SARA), one of my research aims is to address this challenge. This project evaluates the use of trace elemental analysis to identify capture locations and origin estuaries for narrow (Anoxypristis cuspidata), green (Pristis zijsron), and freshwater (Pristis pristis) sawfishes along the Queensland coast.

Methodology

All the rostra used in this research were received through a collaboration by SARA and the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QDAF). At SARA, over the last two years, I’ve taken teeth from over 200 of these.

Figure 1. (Left) My first attempts at taking teeth were a bit gruesome and may or may not have given Barbara a heart attack. (Right) We’ve now refined our methods so that sampling scars on saws used for education or that belong to other institutions are more subtle. Image by Nikki Biskis

Figure 2.Our health and safety officer during tooth removal. Image by Nikki Biskis

Trace elements such as strontium, barium, etc. vary in the environment due to salinity, temperature, upwelling, runoff – all these factors give an estuary a unique chemical fingerprint. So, by measuring the quantities of these through just a tiny spot at the base of each tooth, we can use the chemical signatures to assign them to an origin estuary. This is a common technique amongst bony fish but is relatively new amongst sharks and rays.

If we take a transect, or line along the length of the tooth, we can see fluctuations due to these changes in the environment, allowing us a look into how the animals are moving, how they use their habitat. This is especially meaningful, as sawfishes are now rare, so while it might sound strange, a tooth might provide some of the most in depth insights into the spatial use patterns of these species.

Figure 3. The teeth were then cleaned, epoxied, sectioned, and polished at UniSC. Image by Nikki Biskis

What’s more, a subset of the samples was taken from an entire animal, meaning we have the vertebrae – the stock standard for aging sharks and rays – as well. This means I have the very exciting side quest of investigating teeth as potential aging structure, through comparison of visual banding and elemental signature across the two sources.

In other words, the teeth may hold the key to using these trophy rostra for conservation, protecting future populations.

You can view this blog and more on the Save Our Seas Foundation website.

All species of sawfish are now globally Critically Endangered

by Barbara | May 9, 2024 | Blog | 0 comments

In 2022 the reassessments of all four species of sawfish under the criteria of the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) Redlist commenced, and it was a global effort. Sawfish researchers from all over the world worked together to identify and assess the current distributions, habitats and ecology, population status, as well as ongoing threats for all five species.

Sadly, since the last assessments of sawfishes, in many regions the threats posed to these bizarre fishes have not declined and as a result all five species are now considered as globally Critically Endangered. With Australia being home to the last significant populations of four species of sawfish, what happens here matters greatly. While some species are still found in other countries, and for example freshwater sawfish Pristis pristis are being rediscovered in Central America, the genetic diversity in Australian populations of this species needs to be protected.

The assessments are comprehensive and in-depth. They represent a good starting point for anyone who is interested in understanding these species better.

Freshwater sawfish – Pristis pristis

Espinoza M, Bonfil-Sanders R, Carlson J, Charvet P, Chevis M, Dulvy NK, Everett B, Faria V, Ferretti F, Fordham S, Grant MI, Haque AB, Harry AV, Jabado RW, Jones, GCA, Kelez S, Lear KO, Morgan DL, Phillips NM, Wueringer BE. 2022. Pristis pristis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022: e.T18584848A58336780. Link

Dwarf sawfish – Pristis clavata

Grant MI, Charles R, Fordham S, Harry AV, Lear KO, Morgan DL, Phillips NM, Simeon B, Wakhida Y, Wueringer BE. 2022. Pristis clavata. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022: e.T39390A68641215. Link

Green sawfish – Pristis zijsron

Harry AV, Everett B, Faria V, Fordham S, Grant MI, Haque AB, Ho H, Jabado RW, Jones GCA, Lear KO, Morgan DL, Phillips NM, Spaet JLY, Tanna A, Wueringer BE. 2022. Pristis zijsron. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022: e.T39393A58304631. Link

Narrow sawfish – Anoxypristis cuspidata

Haque, A.B., Charles, R., D’Anastasi, B., Dulvy, N.K., Faria, V., Fordham, S., Grant, M.I., Harry, A.V., Jabado, R.W., Lear, K.O., Morgan, D.L., Tanna, A., Wakhida, Y. & Wueringer, B.E. 2023. Anoxypristis cuspidata. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2023: e.T39389A58304073. Link

Smalltooth sawfish – Pristis pectinata

Carlson, J., Blanco-Parra, MP, Bonfil-Sanders, R., Charles, R., Charvet, P., Chevis, M., Dulvy, N.K., Espinoza, M., Faria, V., Ferretti, F., Fordham, S., Giovos, I., Graham, J., Grubbs, D., Pacoureau, N. & Phillips, N.M. 2022. Pristis pectinata. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022: e.T18175A58298676. Link

We are hiring!

by Barbara | Mar 6, 2024 | Blog | 0 comments

SARA-r job ad – Research Assistant and Administration Support Officer (Hybrid)

UPDATE – the position was filled

Summary: SARA-r is recruiting one research and engagement support office, ideally with a background in biology/ecology/research administration to work with the Principal Scientist and Founder in this exciting and varied role. You will help with research administration, data analysis, report writing and play a key role during our outreach and engagement activities both with the general public as well as Aboriginal Land and Sea ranger groups. This role will also help to implement and grow our projects and funding.

Term: There is funding for this role for at least 6 months (with 3 months probation period). The intention is for this to be a permanent role, however continuation of the role is dependent on continuation of funding.
Hours: part-time, 0.4-0.5FTE (to be negotiated)
Pay according to award rates, depending on the candidate’s qualifications.
Works closely with principal scientist.

Our current work

At SARA, we like to think outside the box. Our current main study species, sawfish, are the most endangered of all sharks and rays globally, but they are much more than that. These large animals (up to 7m length) are culturally important to many Indigenous groups, and they were once amongst the most abundant large predators in tropical coastal, inshore and freshwater regions of our planet. Sitting somewhere between charismatic and dangerous megafauna, the work done by our principal scientist, collaborators, students, field assistants, interns, and volunteers, ensures that these animals don’t just quietly go extinct, but will remain a vital part of Northern Australia’s ecosystems. Our creative, outcome-oriented, and dynamic work environment allows the creation and implementation of real-world conservation concepts, that unite people with a common idea and goal.

Vacancies: We are recruiting one person (0.4-0.5FTE) to join our research team. This is an office based position, which may involve some outdoor work but does not specifically focus on scientific field work. While occasional involvement in field work may become part of the duties, the core tasks of this role involves office-based work which include project administration, planning, data management and research administrative tasks. The suited candidate should ideally have experience in working in an environment where science and conservation intersect. The suited candidate needs to be team player who can also work independently, and is happy to work from home, when not in the field. However, multiple field trips are planned, and the candidate will also support the principal scientist during field work. We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who is residing in Australia. You need to be based in Cairns, and be able to work from home, but with regular contact and in person meetings with our Principal scientist and other team members.

Tasks will include:

Research administation
Data entry & report writing
Help maintain field work gear
Engagement with Aboriginal Land and Sea Ranger groups

Non-negotiable skills & qualifications (where possible they should be confirmed by qualifications and/or references):

Minimum of BSc in biology / conservation biology / marine ecology or similar relevant field
Demonstrated good writing and communication skills, including report writing
Experience in data entry, analysis and scientific writing
Experience using Microsoft Office, R, qGIS

Additional desirable skills:

ability to work with photos and videos
Ability to understand the principles of conservation biology, ecological management, endangered species management and a willingness to expand this knowledge in pursuit of SARA-r’s mission.
First aid course

Additional information: The income will be according to award rates (Professional Services Award) and qualification and experience level. The positions are based in Cairns, but the candidate should be able to work from home as well as in the office. To apply for this position, please email a cover letter outlining answers to the following questions, along with your CV to our contact email. Applications without cover letter or CV will not be considered.

Why are you interested in joining SARA-r?
Outline your previous skills, knowledge and experience especially in relation to the non-negotiable skills and qualifications
Please provide names and contact details of two references.

Meting Minsters on Valentine’s Day

by Barbara | Feb 20, 2024 | Blog | 0 comments

From left to right: Barbara Wueringer (SARA), Luke Albury (DAF), China Major (Traditional owner), Dallas Da Silva (DAF), Michael Yam (Traditional owner), Jeff Iken (DAF)

From left to right: Hon. Leanne Linnard MP, China Major (Traditional Owner), Michael Yam (Traditional Owner), Hon. Mark Furner MP, Dr Wueringer

For Valentine’s Day 2024, our Principal Scientist supported two Traditional Owners from Kowanyama, namely China Major and Michael Yam, to meet with various people in Brisbane to voice concerns regarding the treatment of the local waterways by commercial fishers.

Kowanyama is also known as ‘The place of many waters’, and the name already clearly shows a connection of its people with local waterways. For the people of Kowanyama, the ability to go hunt and fish, and to supply their own bush tucker is important. The dependence on local waterways to supply food is especially strong during the wet season, when roads to Kowanyama become unpassable and supplies from the outside can be delivered by plane only.

We would like to thank everyone for taking their time to listen to the concerns by the Traditional owners, China Major and Michael Yam. Together, they represent both the freshwater people and the saltwater people from Kowanyama. Their concerns were also in regards to sawfish, and identified the importance to maintain the Mitchell River and its tributaries as an important habitat for sawfishes.

Dissection of a sawfish

by Barbara | Dec 11, 2023 | Blog | 0 comments

Dissecting for a deeper understanding

My SARA internship experience

Madison Baker (The University of Adelaide)

As part of my science internship with Sharks And Rays Australia (SARA), I had the unique opportunity to assist with the dissection of a juvenile narrow sawfish (Anoxypristis cuspidata).

Working with a highly threatened and elusive species, you don’t always get the chance to develop a deeper understanding of their biology. Therefore, having the opportunity to perform a dissection on a narrow sawfish was extraordinary and a once in a lifetime experience.

The dissection began with a sense of anticipation in the air. The team, composed of myself, SARA Principal Scientist Dr Barbara Wueringer and SARA Director Mark Tozer, meticulously prepared for the procedure. The juvenile narrow sawfish, one of the eight specimens graciously donated to SARA, lay before us, offering a rare glimpse into the intricacies of its anatomy.

Our primary goal of this dissection was not only to collect samples (i.e. DNA, gut content, morphometrics) for research, but use this opportunity to connect with the general public and educate them. Check out the live video on the SARA Facebook!

Exciting external findings

Before a scalpel was even lifted, we examined the sawfish’s extraordinary external features first. The rostrum, lined with sensory pores known as ampullae of Lorenzini, allows the sawfish to detect the electric fields produced by its prey. As we explored further, we documented the size and arrangement of the teeth, shedding light on the species’ feeding habits and ecological role. Estimated to be less than a year old, the rostral teeth of the specimen were noted to be still hook-shaped. The true purpose of this ‘notching’ still evades scientists today.

We then worked our way along the head and body towards the tail of the sawfish. Noted were two large eyes – that can sink into its head for protection, five-pairs of gill slits that lay underneath, two spiracles situated behind the eyes – that allow the sawfish to respire without inhaling sediment, two large flat pectoral fins and anal fins – perfect for sitting on the bottom, two dorsal fins of equal height, and a forked tail.

The sawfish was also noted to be covered in a mucous layer which made it slimy to touch. Fishermen sometimes refer to this species as the ‘slimy sawfish’. Barbara explained this helps protect them from diseases and wound infections.

Dissecting deeper

With surgical precision, we then carefully opened up the specimen to reveal the complex structures that lay beneath. We identified a large oily liver with an unusual green abscess (this was biopsied), a huge hook-shaped stomach, a spiral-valved intestine (how cool!), spleen, pancreas, gall bladder and rectal gland – an special organ for salt excretion.

We inspected the stomach to see what this juvenile narrow sawfish had been eating and to our surprise, fish eye lenses were found. But we would have to wait on the lab results to know the species and anything else it had been eating.

The most challenging part of this dissection was trying to identify the sex of this individual. As this specimen was very young, its reproductive organs were underdeveloped, so it was difficult to discern testes from ovaries. However, after some probing, we concluded that this young individual was in fact female.

My takeaways from this experience

This dissection not only contributed valuable data to ongoing SARA research but also provided an immersive educational experience for myself and the public. It emphasized the importance of conservation efforts to protect these vulnerable creatures, whose populations are highly threatened.

As I reflect on this science internship, this narrow sawfish dissection stands out as a highlight. It serves as a reminder of the endless wonders that the natural world holds and the crucial role we play as scientists in unravelling its mysteries.

Here’s to a super awesome and unique internship experience!