Wahoo are fast, solitary pelagic fish prized for their flesh and speed. Their welfare across commercial and recreational fisheries is largely overlooked.
Wahoo caught by trolling — dragged at high speed on lures or bait — experience sudden violent capture followed by prolonged fight stress. Their sharp teeth mean landing them requires careful handling, which often prioritises fisher safety over fish welfare. Commercial longlining leaves wahoo on hooks for extended periods. In the Caribbean and Pacific, wahoo are an important commercial species with few welfare regulations governing slaughter methods. Their high metabolic rate means oxygen deprivation on deck causes rapid deterioration.