Florida man pleads guilty to killing sawfish by removing extended nose with power saw

The Associated Press | Treasure Coast Newspapers

Show Caption Hide Caption Diver spots sawfish off Bathtub Reef Beach Sawfish in 2003 became the first marine fish listed on the Endangered Species List. Sawfish may be experiencing recovery in Florida waters. Researchers have announced a new toll free phone number to call if you see or catch one - 1-844-4SAWFISH.

JACKSONVILLE — A man has pleaded guilty to killing an endangered fish unique to Florida waters, whose extended nose is lined with teeth that resemble a saw.

Federal prosecutors say Chad Ponce of Jacksonville faces a year in prison and a $50,000 fine when he is sentenced for killing the sawfish, which is listed as an endangered species.

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A sentencing date hasn't been set yet.

Sawfish are only found in the southeastern U.S., primarily off the southwest coast of Florida.

Sawfish generally are harmless to humans, although they can inflict serious injury with their saw-like noses if threatened. Some grow as large as 17 feet.

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Prosecutors said Ponce removed the extended nose of a sawfish last year using a power saw while fishing in a boat off the coast of Ponte Verde.