Save Our Swordfish™ Program

In November 1997 FISH Unlimited announced a campaign to educate the public about the plight of the vanishing swordfish. Once an abundant sport fish in waters from the Northeast to the Caribbean, the swordfish now is on the verge of extinction because of over-fishing worldwide.

Data now shows that almost 60 per cent of Atlantic swordfish caught today never get the chance to reproduce, and if this trend continues, that by the year 2005 the swordfish will be extinct. Mark Ketcham of FISH Unlimited states, "We want to help in saving this once great game fish by getting major users of swordfish to stop purchasing it. This way stocks can rebound, and responsible fisheries management plans can be implemented."

"FISH Unlimited is meeting with representatives of major grocery chains and restaurants now, to ask them to stop carrying swordfish on their menus and in their stores. At the same time, we are asking them to post information on the plight of the swordfish so that the public becomes aware of the seriousness of the issue."

You can participate in this program by not buying or serving swordfish. Spreading the understanding and need for careful management for their future requires cooperation from all of us. Please contact our national headquarters at 516-749-3474, or email us at [email protected] for more information.