Status of Billfish fisheries of Pakistan

Six species of billfishes including Indo-Pacific sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus), black
marlin (Istiompax indica), striped marlin (Kajikia audax), Indo-Pacific blue marlin
(Makaira mazara) and shortbill spearfish (Tetrapturus angustirostris) belonging to family
Istiophoridae and swordfish (Xiphias gladius) belongs to family Xiphidae are known to
occur in Pakistan, however, only two species i.e. Indo-Pacific sailfish and black marlin
are dominating in the commercial catches. Both the species were found throughout the
year, however, period between September through January is the peak season of their
landing. It is estimated that about 4,500 m. tons of billfish are annually landed in
Pakistan. Billfishes are not locally consumed but transported to neighboring country
through land or sea route.