ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) Endangered smalltooth sawfish, marine creatures virtually unchanged for millions of years, are exhibiting erratic spinning behavior and dying in unusual numbers in Florida waters. Federal and state wildlife agencies are beginning an effort to rescue and rehabilitate sawfish to find out why.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced what it calls an emergency response focused on the Florida Keys starting next week. A NOAA news release called the effort unprecedented.