Market Name: Swordfish, broadbill swordfish
Scientific Name: Xiphias gladius
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| Called "the king" by harvesters, swordfish dwell in tropical, subtropical and temperate oceans worldwide including the Mediterranean and Black seas. Domestic swordfish landings primarily come from Hawaii, the Atlantic Coast to the Canadian border and the Pacific Coast to Vancouver Island. Brazil and Uruguay, relative newcomers on the swordfish scene, have increased their exports significantly. Swordfish are taken off the Pacific Coast by gillnetters and harpooners in late summer and fall. In the Caribbean they are taken in winter by longliners, who primarily land their catch in Puerto Rico. In the eastern Atlantic, swordfish are taken with gillnets and longlines during separate summer and winter seasons. In Hawaii, they are taken year-round by longline. The United States typically imports 10 times as much fresh swordfish as frozen. In addition, domestic supplies from fisheries on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts are typically offered fresh. |
Markets: US - Japan - Spain - Italy - Portugal - France - Greece