En garde!
Swordfish are usually caught on longlines, which kill both the adults and the young -- also, many tuna, sharks and sea turtles. There are federal limits on U.S. fishing but the worldwide stock is still threatened. In 1960, an average swordfish weighed over 150 kilos, now it only weighs 49 kilos -- and over half the North Atlantic population is too young to breed. Also swordfish may not be good for people: it has a high level of methylmercury which causes cancer and is a known reproductive toxin.

Sustainable Alternatives
Hawaii swordfish
Salmon
Tuna (long line caught Albacore, Bigeeye, Yellowfih, canned light, white and Albacore)

Looking for more sustainable seafood options? Click Here

The U.S. government has banned commercial fishing of swordfish in a large area of the Pacific Ocean. This is to protect endangered sea turtles. This is because the fish are caught by 80 km (50 miles) long baited hooks that are taken by the turtles: Click here

It is a complicated question this one about the status of swordfish. In one way, the struggle to save them has been successful. In another way, there are still many reasons to protect them. (There is also another reason to avoid eating swordfish. Check out Fish and your Health on this web site, you will see that this fish carries high levels of mercury.) The American Natural Resources Council puts the swordfish problem very clearly: Click here