Question

You have received funding to film a 2-hour documentary on some topic within the field of marine biology for the Discovery Channel. First, describe what the main theme of your show will be. Second, explain why you have chosen this topic (i.e., is it of economic importance, ecological significance, or is it just really cool?). Third, describe what information you will present in each segment of the show. Fourth and finally, list at least 3 guest speakers that you plan to interview, providing their names, affiliations, and what you will be talking to them about. They should be experts in their respective fields.  

Answer 1

The Small tooth saw fish gets its name from its long,saw like nose called rostrum It's been around for over 50 million years,it is now endangered.

I have choosen Smalltooth Saw fish because it is endangered.The smalltooth sawfish was the first native marine fish listed on the US Endangered species list.The only place they are left in the United States is Southwest Florida.Can these pre-historic looking animals survive in a highly developed environment?.Historically Sawfishes were a common tropical species world wide.There are five species globally but they began to decline.Fishing played a large role in their population reduction.Because of their long toothed rostrum,they are very susceptible to any type of fishing gear.Habitat loss also played a role in the decline of the population.Juvenile saw fish are very dependent on mangroves

National Marine Fisheries Se rvice has worked to develop and implement recovery plan for the species.Major steps are reducing by catch in fishieries,protecting important habitats and educating the public.Guidelines were also developed for fishermen to safely handle and release any sawfish they might catch.

The guest Speakers are John Carlson Ph.D,Research Biologist NOAA Fisheries Service.He explained that team of scientists are studying Juvenile Saw fish.Everglades National park was created in the 1930s this was the core area of their population in the United States.

Dean Grubbs,Ph.D,Associate Director of Research,FSU Coastal and Marine Lab.He explained that they have a recovery plan that is in place and to conduct research that will allow to track recovery of the population.

Gregg Poulakis,Ph.D,Fish Research Biologist,FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute he said stable isotope analysis provides information about the diet of the animals

Through this research,they hope to develop the next steps in conservation and management that will save this endangered species that can bring the saw fish from brink of extinction.