School Visit - Sawfish

We regularly visit schools across Andros to educate children about sawfish, an extraordinary group of animals that are critically endangered worldwide. Andros is one of the places where, if you are incredibly lucky, you could encounter a Smalltooth Sawfish in the wild and it is for this reason we believe our visits are so important.

During this school visit, Annie focused entirely on the incredible Smalltooth Sawfish. She introduced the children to its fascinating world, sharing facts about its mostly nocturnal habits, its impressive size (these remarkable animals can grow to over 16 feet long!), its unique saw-shaped snout, and the many reasons why it is now so endangered.

But education is about so much more than sharing facts. There is something truly special about teaching children about an animal that belongs to their own country and surrounding waters. These aren't just mysterious creatures found in faraway oceans or in the pages of a textbook; they are part of the Bahamas' natural heritage. The possibility that a Smalltooth Sawfish could swim in the waters close to their homes makes conservation personal, exciting, and real.

By helping children understand what makes these animals so extraordinary, we hope to inspire curiosity, pride, and a sense of responsibility for protecting the incredible marine life on their doorstep. When children learn to appreciate the wildlife around them, they become the next generation of ocean advocates, scientists, educators, and conservationists.

The Smalltooth Sawfish may be rare, but its future matters. Every conversation, every question, and every young mind inspired is another step towards ensuring these magnificent animals have a chance to survive for generations to come.

Because protecting our oceans starts with understanding them, and sometimes that journey begins right in the classroom.