Can I eat swordfish again? [Moved from Home Cooking board]

[JCap]

I've started to see it popping up on menus again. I haven't really eaten it in 8 years or so, but I remember it being one of my favorite fish.

[MIKELOCK34]

Do not listen to propaganda regarding swordfish. Swordfish are a daily recreational catch in South Louisiana where I fish and other places too. They are not listed as an endangered species. Check your CITES list. Swordfish are just as likely to have mercury as any of the tunas and mackerels and any of the other pelagics. Always look up facts and stay away from propaganda. Check the regulations covering the "highly migratory species" fishing regulations for information. Enjoy.

[swsidejim]

I never stopped eating it, it is a once or twice a year treat.

[ricepad]

Both the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Endangered Fish Alliance list swordfish in their 'midrange', and say that, depending on how it is caught, it may be ok.

[maria lorraine]

But the mercury concerns (see EPA link) combined with its endangered status clearly makes swordfish a "do not eat" fish. Eat another kind of fish.

[ricepad]

I agree that mercury is a big concern, but where do you get the idea that swordfish is endangered? Your links don't support it, and the MBA site talks about the by-catch as the big problem for swordfish.

[sarge]

I have fished recreationally and in tournaments for years. Back in the 70's and 80's recreational fisherman would occasionally, virtually accidentally, catch a swordfish while fishing for other bluewater species-Dolphin, Tuna, Marlin, Sailfish, etc.(Swords have strange feeding habits, most are caught at night), in the last 20 years a recreational accidental catch was unheard of. In the last 5 years or so, they are making a definite comeback, and recreational fisherman who are targeting them are catching them with some success, especially in South Florida, but they seem to be running on the small side-under 150 lbs. Most of these are released. Fish over 300 lbs are rarely reported. A swordfish is a very big fish by nature. Until I start hearing of regular catches of fish over 250 lbs., I am staying a way from them.

[trojandude]

How interesting,

I went fishing in baja mexico a few years ago for dorado (mahi mahi/dolphin) and we wound up catching at least 2 or 3 swordfish. It seemed like one of those suckers would bite for every 4 or 5 dorado. Also almost caught a beautiful marlin but it broke the line.

Nevertheless, we didn't keep the swordfish to eat. Mostly avoided it because it was too bony. We gave it to the fisherman guide who seemed to enjoy it.

Doesnt swordfish have a nasty habit of having parasites as well?

[JCap]

Darn. I was hoping it had come back. Thanks for the heads up hounds, lets hope the population comes back over the next several years or so.

[maria lorraine]

Don't eat it. The high level of mercury in swordfish is the first problem. See
http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/fishadvice/advice.html
Additionally, swordfish is on the endangered fish list. Please see:
http://www.endangeredfishalliance.org...

[sarge]

I am far, far away from being any sort of environmentalist. I almost always side with business interests over environmental concerns. That said, Swordfish has been so overfished that the population has been decimated. I NEVER eat swordfish, and always counsel others to stay away from it

[Nyleve]

Here's a good resource for looking into any fish:
http://www.mbayaq.org/cr/SeafoodWatch...