Locals fear Portobello swordfish at risk from 'trophy hunters'

The swordfish has been spotted several times in the Firth of Forth.

Locals in Portobello are concerned for the life of a rare swordfish spotted several times in the Firth of Forth in recent weeks.

The fish, which is believed to be one of only three or four ever recorded in Scottish waters, was identified by a marine biologist on July 3.

Since then there have been several reported sightings, and one lucky kayaker was photographed with the tell-tale fin just feet away from his kayak.

Picture: Katie O'Neil

But delight has turned to concern for many locals after a marine-lovers Facebook group announced on Saturday that a TV channel which is ‘into big game fishing’ had arrived in the area, possibly in the hope of filming the creature’s capture.

The post in the Forth Marine Mammals Facebook group, which has 5,500 members, reads: “For those interested in the swordfish.“A TV Channel has just arrived at Portobello. They are into big game fishing, etc. “Technically there is nothing that can be done to stop them fishing as it is not a protected species... but you might want to let them see how important it is to you that it is left in peace.”

The person who wrote the Facebook post told the Evening News the information had come from a source who wished to remain anonymous, and the presence of TV crews in the area has not been confirmed.

Unconfirmed reports on social media also claimed that fishermen were intending to hunt the creature.

Kayaker Philip de Longh encountered the swordfish while on the water near Portobello beach. Picture: Andrew Clark.

In the wake of the reports numerous concerned residents have contacted the Evening News, local councillors, the Scottish SPCA and marine conservation charities in a bid to protect the fish.

Swordfish are not an endangered species and do not carry the associated protections.

However the Marine Conservation Society and the World Wildlife Fund have warned in recent years that swordfish populations are decreasing.

One Edinburgh resident who visits Portobello several times a week told the Evening News: “I feel very strongly about the possible hunting of a swordfish who chose to hang around this local area to fish.

“I really wish it was protected like a whale or dolphin would be.

“I’d like if it now left for deeper waters to stay safe and continue to be free so those fishermen don’t catch it so it can be shown off like a trophy.”

Valerie Main, a nature-lover who lives on the Fife side of the Forth of Firth, said: “I am an avid nature follower and a member of the Forth River Mammal sighting Facebook page.

"To my horror it has been reported that a tv channel that specialises in fishing big fish has arrived at the shore at Portobello with the sole intention of filming the capture of this magnificent swordfish.

"Is there anything you can do to try and deter these people from ruining the life of such a beautiful, unusual big fish?”

She added: “We’re banking on you as we don’t know what else to do. We can’t just sit back and watch the capture of this beautiful fish.”

Carole Fairhurst added: “Please could someone do something to publicise the fact that big trophy hunters have arrived at Portobello to catch the swordfish. It would be an absolute travesty if this happened.”

Local Labour Councillor Maureen Child said: “I’m on the side of those who want to let this rare animal be to do it’s thing and provide us with the odd sighting.

"Any would-be trophy hunter is going to make himself a Mr Porty Pariah. Not a good look!”