Swordfish – Indian Ocean Swordfish is a large, pelagic species
found throughout tropical and temperate waters around the globe.
They grow at moderate rates and produce many eggs. In the Indian
Ocean, Swordfish are captured by fishing fleets from many
nations including Taiwan, Spain, Pakistan and Japan. Their
abundance decreased through the 1990s and early 2000s as catches
increased, but current Swordfish abundance in the Indian Ocean
is at a medium level. The majority of Swordfish in the Indian
Ocean are taken with pelagic longlines, and some with gillnets.
These fishing gears result in minimal habitat damage, but may
accidentally catch endangered and protected species like sea
turtles. Regulations for Swordfish fisheries are set by the
Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, but compliance with these
regulations at the national level is poor. This fish may have
high levels of mercury that could pose a health risk to adults
and children. More mercury info here.