Has anyone heard of (or conducted themselves) an analysis of 
ex-vessel price-per-pound for swordfish as a function of total 
dressed weight?  Anecdotal conversations with captains and 
first-level fish dealers along the U.S. Atlantic coast fishery have 
all suggested that there's a weakly dome-shaped relationship.  More 
specifically, that the "large" or "marker" fish (100-199#) are worth 
more than "mediums" (50-99#) or "double markers" (200-299#), and both 
of which are worth more than the "rats" (<25#) and "triple markers" 
(>300#).  The usual justifications offered for these price 
differences are that the marker fish are the easiest carcasses to 
physically handle/transport and are the size most easily cut into 
approximately 8-ounce portions.

Thoughts and/or comments appreciated, and thanks for any help.

DWK




David W. Kerstetter, Ph.D.
Research Scientist and Adjunct Faculty
Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center
8000 North Ocean Drive
Dania Beach, FL 33004
954-262-3664 (phone)
954-262-4020 (fax)