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Common name - Hake, European
Scientific name - Merluccius merluccius
Average rating
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Visit Fishonline for the full range of options available for this species.
Consumer Information
The Hake family comprise 13 species but only one, the European hake, is found in waters close to home. Although closely related, is separated from cod by it’s long slender body. Don’t eat European hake from the southern European Hake stock (from Spain and Portugal) as it is depleted. The Northern stock is healthy but the biology of this species makes it vulnerable to exploitation. Hake has a mild flavour with a medium but firm textured meat. Good poached with lemon juice. Avoid eating fresh hake during it’s breeding season, February to July, and below the size at which it matures, 50 cm.
Summary
There are two main stocks for European hake - a northern and southern stock. The northern stock is increasing and has recently recovered from depleted levels following good management. The southern stock however, is likely depleted. Avoid eating hake from depleted stocks, immature fish below about 50cms, and during their breeding season, February to July.
Alternatives
(Based on method of production, fish type, and consumer rating: only fish rated 3 and below are included.)
Visit Fishonline, the website for the seafood industry, for more detailed information about this species.