In North America, swordfish fisheries exist in Canada, the USA, Mexico, and Caribbean nations.
Swordfish surface at night and move to the depths in daylight. Swordfish are known to congregate where ocean currents meet to create turbulence and sharp temperature breaks.
Canada
Swordfish is an important species for Canada’s Maritime Provinces. Vessels fish primarily on the edges of Georges Bank, the Scotian Shelf, and the Grand Banks. Swordfish are exported to the USA.
USA
Swordfish are landed by American commercial fishermen from the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Pacific.
Hawaii is a leading state for swordfish. Hawaiian fishermen take swordfish with pelagic longline gear. In California, fishermen target swordfish using mostly driftnet gear, traveling as much as 200 miles offshore.
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