Swordfish (Xiphias Gladius Linnaeus, 1758) fisheries of ecuadorian vessels during 2013-2025

Authors

  • Marco Herrera Programa de Especies Vulnerables, Proceso de Investigación de Recursos Bioacuáticos y su Ambiente, Instituto Público de Investigación de Acuicultura y Pesca, Guayaquil, CP. 090308, Ecuador. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6653-2374
  • Gustavo Riofrio Programa de Especies Vulnerables, Proceso de Investigación de Recursos Bioacuáticos y su Ambiente, Instituto Público de Investigación de Acuicultura y Pesca, Guayaquil, CP. 090308, Ecuador. https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5444-8391

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62430/rtb20262422269

Keywords:

motherships, fiberglass boats, maximum sustainable yield, surface longline, surface gillnets

Abstract

Swordfish support an expanding fishery in Ecuador. This study aimed to determine fishery characteristics (2013–2025) and size data recorded in 2025. Landing data were provided by the Undersecretariat of Fisheries Resources. Size was measured as the length from the lower jaw to the fork of the tail (LJFL). Mean sizes were estimated and compared by vessel type and sex, as well as the percentage of mature versus immature individuals. The highest landings occurred in 2023, driven primarily by motherships, which recorded high catch volumes between May and August. Fiberglass boats showed periods of lower (January–May) and higher (June–November) catch rates. Manta and Jaramijó were the main landing ports. The sampled fish were predominantly female. Mean size was significantly larger for surface longline catches (158.35 cm LJFL). The proportion of immature individuals was 68% for males and 37% for females. Steel-hulled vessels fished in international waters, ranging from 10°S to near 5°N; motherships operated within Ecuador's exclusive economic zone (continental and insular) and in international waters between 5°N and 5°S. Maximum sustainable yield analysis indicated a healthy stock status with no signs of overfishing. Further analysis of fishing effort, fishing grounds, and catch composition is required to establish management measures for the sustainable exploitation of swordfish.

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Published

2026-10-20

How to Cite

Herrera, M., & Riofrio, G. (2026). Swordfish (Xiphias Gladius Linnaeus, 1758) fisheries of ecuadorian vessels during 2013-2025. The Biologist, 24(2). https://doi.org/10.62430/rtb20262422269