That increase comes amid a mysterious outbreak of unusual fish behavior spotted mostly between Bahia Honda and Sugarloaf Key starting in November, when struggling fish appeared spinning, fighting to stay upright or poking their heads out of the water. Two months later, the sick and dead sawfish started washing up on flats and beaches.

Species have included tarpon, snook, permit and other large fish, as well as grouper, snapper and small baitfish.