User:Mlaquino02/Shortbill spearfish

Lead
The shortbill spearfish (Tetrapturus angustirostris), sometimes called the short-nosed spearfish, is a species of marlin under the Tetrapturus' subgroup native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans, with occasional records from the Atlantic Ocean. In Hawai'i they are commonly known as "Hebi". This species occurs in open waters not far from the surface. This species can reach a length of 230 cm (91 in), though most do not exceed 190 cm (75 in). The spearfish is a lean source of protein and contains many vitamins. Overfishing is a prominent factor in decreasing reef populations in the pacific ocean.

Description
The maximum recorded weight for this species is 52 kg (115 lb). It is of minor importance to commercial fisheries and is also a game fish. As of now, the species is considered "data-deficient" and little is known about its' ecology and population structure. Shortbill spearfish that are caught in Hawai'i are usually between 9 kg and 18 kg. The primary method of catching fish in Hawai'i is by line. Longline boats which place hooks into the deep water catch the majority of the spearfish catch in Hawaii. Spearfish are also caught by trollers using baits and lures as well. Trolling is a method of fishing where many hooks are slowly pulled behind the boat. Short bill spearfish are characterized by a slim frame with a blue body that is silver underneath. Shortbill also possess a very short bill extending from their upper jaw. The distinguishing aspect that separates the species in the Tetraputurus subgroub from marlins and sailfish is the position of the anus. In all spearfishes, the anus is located at front of the base of the first anal fin, whereas in other billfish the anus is located close to the anal fin. Though some shortbill spearfish are found in the Atlantic Ocean, the spawning grounds and overall populations are believed to only be in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The spawning process is thought to happen in the winter time, when the warm currents from offshore reach a surface temperature of around 25°C.

Nutritional Output
The shortbill spearfish is a lean fish and source of lean protein. Unlike the Alaskan Salmon, the species is low in saturated fats and sodium. Some vitamins that the fish contains include niacin, vitamin B12, phosphorus and selenium. The spearfish is also a good source of vitamin B6 and iodine. They provide around 350 milligrams of omega-3’s (per 4 ounce serving).

Overfishing In Hawai'i
Although the short bill spearfish isn't considered a species overfished in Hawai'i, overfishing is considered a prominent factor in the decreasing population of reef life in the Pacific Ocean. "Overfishing" is defined by people catching more fish than is sustainable when comparing how many fish there are. This is a slightly different concept from "overfished" which means there are not enough of that fish in the sea. According to a study led by Dr. Alan M. Friedlander, a University of Hawaiʻi marine ecologist and National Geographic’s Pristine Seas chief scientist from 2000 to 2017, “[Our data collected] is the most compelling evidence that overfishing is the primary driver of reef fish declines in the main Hawaiian Islands, based on the most robust dataset ever put together for Hawaiʻi, and perhaps the world”. Data were obtained by many companies and researchers and is based on over 24,000 in-water surveys.