Aquaculture

Mahi-Mahi Welfare in Capture Fisheries

Mahi-mahi is a globally popular seafood species caught by trolling and longline fisheries, with welfare considerations relevant to its capture, handling and post-harvest treatment.

Key Facts

Mahi-mahi is one of the fastest-growing marine fish and is commercially important in tropical and subtropical waters
They are highly prized in sport fishing and commercial fisheries across the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans
Trolling with lures is the primary commercial capture method in many fisheries
Mahi-mahi are highly active and can experience rapid physiological deterioration after capture if not iced quickly

Welfare Considerations

Mahi-mahi experience acute welfare impacts from hook injuries during capture, exhaustion from fighting recreational lines, air exposure during handling and photographing, and rapid physiological deterioration in warm conditions if not immediately iced. Welfare priorities include minimising air exposure in catch-and-release, immediate icing after commercial harvest, and using iki jime or percussive stunning for recreational-caught fish intended for consumption.

What You Can Do

Use iki jime or percussive stunning for any mahi-mahi intended for eating
Minimise air exposure during catch-and-release fishing
Ice mahi-mahi immediately after commercial harvest to maintain welfare and quality
Choose mahi-mahi from fisheries with responsible handling and bycatch management practices