I've been criticized for purchasing swordfish steaks. Is it really close to being an endangered species?

Question

When I noticed halibut and tuna were now less expensive than swordfish, a friend suggested this was because swordfish was close to being on the endangered list and so many were not purchasing it anymore. Therefore the price drop. I wonder if that's the reason. Are the numbers of swordfish dropping percipitiously? Should responsible persons not purchase swordfish steaks?

Answer 1

I had read several years ago that many restauranteurs where putting sword off their menus due to severe overfishing and I have noticed that it's almost impossible to find when we eat out. I don't know what the current status is, but has definitely been an issue in the past. Seems like it's recovering--see link.

http://www.nrdc.org/wildlife/fish/nswordbr.asp

Answer 2

Eat all the swordfish you want.
They're jealous because you can obviously afford it or don't like it and they're eating a salad. It's a blatant attempt to make you feel "guilty" for indulging in something that is beyond their reach.
Swordfish aren't on the endangered species list.

Answer 3

swordfish are not endangered yet but if you eat too much sword fish you might be??
any large predatory fish contains a higher level of carcinogen's than the smaller younger fish?
fish is good for you and as with all things that are good too much of a good thing is no good for you!!!

Answer 4

I'd like to know the answer to this, too... I've also noticed it. I hope not, I love swordfish.

Answer 5

I don't think they are endangered or you would not be able to purchase the fish.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swordfish

Answer 6

swordfish is commonly on the menu at places i eat. i doubt it is endangered

Answer 7

I do not think they are endangered---however they do have high levels of mercury, so I would not eat it too often