‘Quite a rare find’: Dead swordfish found washed up on Haida Gwaii
Swordfish are not uncommon in Canadian waters, but typically found further south in tropical environments. Scientists presume there have only been two other sightings in B.C.
A six-foot-long swordfish washed up on Haida Gwaii's shores, surprising local fisherman Quinn Barabash. The experienced salmon hunter said discovering the predatory fish in northern west coast Canadian waters was "quite a rare find." Swordfish are typically found further south in tropical environments. Scientists believe there have only been two sightings of this species in British Columbia before.
The mystery remains as to why the fish ended up so far north. It could be that the animal died off shore and drifted to shore, or it might have sunbathed near the surface. Barabash took a flesh sample from the fish to be tested by the Department of Fisheries and Fisheries. Scientists predict that as ocean temperatures rise, swordfish and other "tropical" species will be found further north in B.C.
Isabella Morgante, a PhD candidate at the University of British Columbia's Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, says this discovery could be a sign of warming ocean temperatures.
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