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Story: Oceanic fish

Swordfish broaching

Swordfish broaching

This photograph was most likely taken in the Bay of Islands, in northern New Zealand. In the early 2000s, between seven and 36 swordfish were caught yearly by big-game anglers, compared to an annual commercial catch of around 1,000 tonnes (about 5,000 swordfish). Much of this is taken as by-catch by the tuna fishery. Little is known about swordfish in the New Zealand region, but they are thought to be part of a much larger stock that spawns in the tropical Pacific.

About this item

Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kawanatanga
Reference: AAQT 6403/5763

Permission of Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kawanatanga must be obtained before any re-use of this material.

How to cite this page:

Carl Walrond. 'Oceanic fish', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 24-Sep-11
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/oceanic-fish/3/4