Swordfish

Swordfish are found in tropical and temperate oceans worldwide. In the Pacific, swordfish range from Asia to the Americas and from northern waters off Alaska to the southern reaches of South America. Preferring warmer climes, swordfish characteristically surface at night and move to the depths in daylight. These broadbills congregate in areas where food is abundant, along frontal zones where ocean currents meet to create turbulence and sharp temperature breaks. There are five such zones in the Pacific, and this is where most fishing occurs. Swordfish are fished by many Pacific Rim countries: the top swordfish harvesting nations in the Pacific are Japan, Chile, and the Philippines, in order. California ranks fourth, representing about 10% of Pacific swordfish landings.

California swordfish fishermen are the most strictly regulated of all Pacific Rim fleets. Most California swordfish are caught with super-wide-mesh drift gillnets (18"-22" mesh) in a season open from August through January. The regulated use of these nets insures a consistent catch in all water conditions. Often enduring dangerous ocean conditions, California fishermen may range from north of San Francisco to the Mexican border and up to 200 miles offshore in search of swordfish. The men and women of California's swordfish fleet work hard to deliver a top-quality product to market. One of the most popular seafoods, swordfish steak is moderate flavored and can be easily broiled, baked, or grilled