Hake

The Hake caught in New Zealand are native to our waters, but similar species are also found in temperate and cold waters in the northern and southern hemispheres.

New Zealand Hake are mainly harvested by trawl in the South Island. The two main Hake fisheries in New Zealand are off the west coast of the South Island and off the Chatham Rise.

Traditionally Hake was a bycatch in the much larger Hoki fishery, but in recent year its has become an important target specie. The Hake fishery overlaps with the Hoki and Ling fishery.

The Marine Stewardship Council eco-label assures you that our Hake reflects sustainable fishing at its finest. It means that our fish stocks are healthy, we're protecting the eco-system and there is ongoing effective management of Hake Fisheries.

Family

Hake belong to the Merlucciidae family (hakes) and is restricted to NZ, but there are more than a dozen Hake species.

Physical attributes

Hake have a dark silver-grey body above shading to white on the belly. The body is slender and round with a square tail and wide head, large eyes and large mouth with teeth turned inwards.

The flesh is soft and delicate with few bones.

Sustainability

Hake has been certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council, the global gold standard for sustainability since September 2014.

Hake is also managed by the Ministry for Primary Industries using the New Zealand Quota Management System (QMS). Regular stocks assessment are conducted to estimate fishery stock size and numbers. Scientific studies are also used. From these, scientists can estimate future stock sizes and catch limits.

Geographical location

New Zealand Hake are mainly harvested by trawl in the South Island. The two main Hake fisheries in New Zealand are off the west coast of the South Island and off the Chatham Rise at depths between 200 and 800 metres. They can also be found in sub-antarctic waters.

Market Names

• New Zealand: Hake, Whiting
• Australia: Southern Hake
• Canada: Merlu austral
• Commonwealth of Independent States: Merluza, Khek
• The Netherlands: Heek, Stockfisch
• France: Merlu, Merlu austral
• Germany: Seehecht
• Greece: Bakaliaros
• Italy: Nasello, Merluzzo
• Japan: Heiku, Meruruusa, Meru
• Korea: Min daeg
• Spain: Merluza (large), Pescadilla (small)

Locations Caught