Swordfish (b)
Torpedo
Medium: Ballpoint Pen on Paper
Medium: Ballpoint Pen on Paper
Medium: Ballpoint Pen on Paper
Medium: Ballpoint Pen on Paper
Artist: Isaac Yeboah
Fish Profile
Swordfish - Xiphias gladius
Conservation status
Swordfish are a species under threat.
The IUCN assess Swordfish as Near Threatened. They state the fish ‘is estimated to have declined by at least 22% over the past 20 years’, although stocks have increased in the North Atlantic: ‘Overfishing is occurring in the Mediterranean and the South Atlantic stocks, which are estimated to account for at least 25% of this species' global population’. (IUCN)
They are listed on the Greenpeace Red List:
‘Swordfish is primarily targeted using longlining. This technique unintentionally catches and kills significant numbers of other species. The South Atlantic stock status is uncertain and only Eastern Pacific Ocean stocks are considered to be relatively healthy’. (Greenpeace)
Of the 12 assessments from the MCS, only 2 fishing areas are given the Best Choice rating. (These cover certain North Atlantic fleets and South West Pacific fleets which are Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified). Of the other areas, 7 are In Need of Improvement and 3 to be Avoided.