BROADBILL SWORDFISH (MEKAJIKI)

Hawaii Market Names: mekajiki, shutome
Scientific Name: Xiphias gladius
Hawaiian Name: A`u
Japanese Name: Mekajiki

Swordfish, also known as broadbill, broadbill swordfish, mekajiki or shutome in Hawaii, are the most widely distributed of all billfish in the Pacific Ocean. Swordfish caught in Hawaiian waters are between 10 and 600 pounds with most weighing in at 100 to 300 pounds.

Hawaii is the major source of domestic swordfish in America. Hawaii swordfish is superior in quality and is preferred over foreign imports by U.S. customers who have high standards. Most of the catch is flown to key markets on the East Coast, where it brings a premium price. All of Hawaii’s swordfish are landed, marketed fresh and sold at the Honolulu fish auction, where most wholesalers acquire their fish for local, domestic and export sales.

Swordfish flesh may vary from pale to pinkish, probably depending on diet prior to capture. In either case, good quality is indicated by red blood lines bordering the loin or fillet. Its flavor is mild.

Since the majority of the top grade, high-quality fish are shipped to the mainland, the Hawaii market is only beginning to discover how wonderful this fish is. Mekajiki is starting to appear on menus. Premium swordfish tends to have a high oil content, a rich flavor and has a texture that is as close to that of premium cuts of beef as any fish available in the market.

Blue marlin (kajiki) and striped marlin (nairagi) are sometimes incorrectly retailed in Hawaii supermarkets under the name “Hawaiian swordfish.” There is only one true swordfish species and no other fish like it in terms of taste and texture. This is why swordfish is considered the premium grilling fish in America.

FISHING METHODS

All Hawaii swordfish are line-caught. Longline boats fishing considerable distances from Hawaii land the overwhelming majority of the catch. Swordfish are only occasionally caught by handliners and trollers. Fresh Hawaii swordfish are not caught by gill nets or by harpoons as they are in other fisheries that supply the fresh and frozen swordfish market.