Swordfish

What is swordfish?

Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) is one of the meatiest fishes you will find; the flesh can be cut into 'steaks', making it ideal for grilling and skewering, as well as other cooking methods that don’t fare well with more delicate fish varieties. The mildly sweet flavour is perfect for the addition of marinades and sauces.

Swordfish facts

• Swordfish have special organs next to their eyes that keep their brain and their eyes warm in cold water, while greatly improving their ability to see as they mostly eat at night.
• Swordfish are one of the fastest fish in the ocean.
• Swordfish are easily identified by their long and wide flattened sword
• Adult swordfish have no teeth or scales.

Is swordfish sustainable?

Swordfish carrying the MSC blue fish tick is certified sustainable. MSC labelled swordfish comes from a fishery that has been independently assessed to the MSC Fisheries Standard. Companies using the blue fish tick all along the supply chain have been assessed to ensure products can be traced back to an MSC certified fishery.

About sustainable fishing for swordfish

The Australia Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery (ETBF) operates on the Eastern seaboard of Australia, and a key target species in this fishery include Broadbill Swordfish.

The fishery is managed using a quota system based on a very conservatively set Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC). All boats are subject to risk mitigation strategies and use physical mitigation devices to minimize and avoid interactions with bycatch and endangered, threatened or protected species. The fishery is also subject to ecological risk assessments and impacts on the environment are regularly monitored.

Where can I buy sustainable swordfish?

You’ll find swordfish with the blue fish tick available at The Fish Shoppe at South Melbourne Market.

Swordfish are a highly migratory species and their distribution is influenced by environmental conditions and water temperature. Walker Seafoods achieved MSC certification following a four-year effort and a significant investment towards ensuring the sustainability of their fishery. 

Explore more sustainable fish to eat

Find more sustainable seafood species that are MSC certified in Australia and New Zealand.

Explore the sustainable seafood guide.