Fished for centuries in Spain and Italy, swordfish (Xiphias gladius) is by-catch in the French Mediterranean, where no fishery is devoted to it. Although its numbers are drastically declining due to commercial fishing, the species is not listed as threatened. The swordfish's elegance, speed, and agility also make it a highly sought-after target for sport fishermen. The fish's longevity ranges from seven to nine years in the wild.