Argentine hake

Argentine hake, (Merluccius hubsii) are migratory, predatory, spawning fish found at depth of 100m -200m. Stocks have been depleted to the point of collapse in Uruguay and Argentina and over exploitation has recently been confirmed in Brazil. Currently the stock is rated as over exploited.

Argentine hake are caught using bottom trawl nets. These nets are dragged near the sea floor at depths ranging from 100-200m. This type of fishing is known to cause damage to the surrounding habitat and result in bycatch of many vulnerable species including birds, sharks and other fish species.

Argentine hake is caught off the coast of Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil ( FAO 41). Several restrictive measures were adopted in order to promote stock recovery (Only in Argentina and Uruguay). There is some indication of recovery with increased recruitment levels however it is still not at a level that can sustain current fishing pressures. In addition, there are no effective management measures in place to mitigate for the high level of bycatch and discard reported in this fishery. Argentina has recently implemented further restrictions in the form of spatial management and closed areas. First steps are being taken towards the implementation of Ecosystem Based Management in Argentina