"NAPLES -- They are not cute and cuddly, but the smalltooth sawfish is getting more federal protection in Southwest Florida waters.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced Monday that it is designating more than 840,000 acres of critical habitat between Charlotte Harbor and Florida Bay for the endangered marine fish.

The designation, which takes effect Oct. 2, doesn’t restrict fishing or boating access, but projects such as marinas or dredging must clear another federal permitting hurdle if they are proposed within the critical habitat boundary."

Eric Staats reports for the Naples News September 1, 2009. [2]