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Marlin

Quality mark Cultivation
/Keurmerk Wild
Green
Second choice
Avoid
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General

Mackerel-like fish

Mackerel-like (Scrombodei) from a subspecies of the Perciformes, the biggest order of fish. Mackerel (Atlantic-, horse mackerel etc), tuna, swordfish and barracudas all fall among the mackerel-like fish. Globally it is a very popular fish and forms an important source of food and income for many people. Mackerel are pelagic fish that live in large schools. While swimming in large schools, mackerel-like fish confuse their predators with the silver-like brilliance from their scales. Island mackerel is the smallest with 2o cm, the largest is the bluefin tuna that can reach a size of over 5 meters.

Marlin

There are several species of marlin, which all belong to the sailfish family. The largest species can reach up to 5 m in length and can weigh up to more than 800 kilograms. These species have elongated bodies with a large dorsal fin, which is shaped like a crescent moon, and a spear-like snout. Marlins are fast hunters and can reach swimming speeds of up to 90 km/hr. Marlins ca be found in sub-tropical waters in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans at depths of up to 915 metres.  

 

Marlin

Makaira spp., Tetrapturus sp., Istiompax sp.
Origin

Worldwide

Farming- / Catch method

All catch methods

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Fish stocks and fishing pressure
Ecosystem effects
Fishery management
Final assessment
Explanation assessment

Marlins are both popular with sport fishermen and highly sought after in commercial fisheries, such as for sashimi and sushi. Although there is little data on their stockStock:
The fish of a particular species reproducing in the same area in the same period. 
s, it is known that these species have become overfishedOverfished:
A stock is overfished when the stock size has decreased so far that it can no longer produce a maximum sustainable yield. The size of the fish populations is insufficient to reproduce in the long term. 
in recent years. A recent assessment of Atlantic blue marlin indicates that this stock is still overfished and subject to overfishingOverfishing:
There is so much fish caught that the size of the stock has diminished so far that it can no longer produce a maximum sustainable yield. The size of the fish populations is insufficient to reproduce in the long term. 
.

Marlin are widely caught as bycatchBycatch:
Species caught next to species targeted for fishery. By-catches can consist of non-commercial species and species that are too small, and can be kept (this part is sometimes called by-product) or thrown back into the sea (discards). 
in tuna and swordfish fisheries. Although these fishing methods are unlikely to affect habitat, the bycatchBycatch:
Species caught next to species targeted for fishery. By-catches can consist of non-commercial species and species that are too small, and can be kept (this part is sometimes called by-product) or thrown back into the sea (discards). 
of highly vulnerable species such as sharks, turtles and seabirds can be large.

Because marlins migrate far, international agreements for proper management are necessary. Recovery plans have been developed for certain species following scientific advice, but it is too early to tell if they will be effective. Catches are probably underestimated and observer coverage is low, so these fisheries are not well monitored. ManagementManagement:
The regulations surrounding fisheries and aquaculture that ensure that production is carried out within legal frameworks and that sustainability can be assured.
of this species is not effective.

ASC label

Fish with the ASC label is farmed in a sustainable manner.

MSC label

Fish with the MSC label is caught sustainably.

Good fish

This fish is not being overfished or is being responsibly farmed, with minimal impact on the environment.

Second choice

This fish is a second choice. There are still some improvements to be made in this fishery or fish farm.

Avoid

Do not buy this fish. It's being overfished or the way it's farmed or caught has a negative impact on the environment.

Welfare

There is fish available of this species that is farmed or caught using high welfare standards.

GlobalG.A.P.

GlobalG.A.P. certified farms are doing a step in the right direction in terms of sustainability. A few species with this label are getting a better score on the VISwijzer.

Organic

Organic standards are the strictest when it comes to fish feed. They also require certain measures for animal well-being.