Swordfish Welfare in Longline Capture Fisheries

Key Facts

• Swordfish are among the largest teleost fish, reaching 400kg and 4.5m in length
• Longline capture causes prolonged stress as fish struggle against the hook for hours before hauling
• Welfare on longline vessels is largely unaddressed in international fisheries regulations
• Their high metabolic rate means prolonged struggling causes severe physiological stress and metabolic acidosis
• Any commercial swordfish aquaculture development faces extraordinary welfare challenges given their active biology

Welfare Considerations

Swordfish welfare in capture fisheries represents one of the most significant and least addressed welfare issues in commercial fishing. Longline fishing sets hundreds of hooks across large ocean areas. Fish may be hooked and struggling for 12-24 hours before hauling begins. The hauling process involves prolonged fighting against the line, followed by gaffing and death without stunning on board. The scale of international swordfish longlining means many thousands of individuals experience prolonged stress and suffering annually. International fisheries bodies must begin incorporating welfare criteria into management frameworks.

What You Can Do

• Advocate for welfare standards in swordfish longline fisheries including time-to-haul limits
• Support research into more humane capture methods for large pelagic species
• Choose swordfish from fisheries with MSC certification as a minimum sustainability and welfare proxy
• Engage with international fisheries bodies about welfare considerations in swordfish management
• Support development of onboard slaughter protocols that minimize suffering in pelagic fisheries