Argentine hake

Hubbsi hake, also known as Argentinean hake, is a demersal white fish of the Merlucciidae family that inhabits the cold waters of the southwestern Atlantic. The species is widely distributed along the continental shelf and slope off Argentina, Uruguay, southern Brazil, and the Falkland Islands, and it is one of the most important hake species in the region.

Argentine hake prefers cold waters, generally between 5°C and 10°C, and is commonly found at depths of 50 to 500 metres. Because of its broad distribution, two main fishing grounds can be distinguished: the waters around the Falkland Islands, including the Inner and Outer Conservation Zones, and the international waters adjacent to the Argentine Exclusive Economic Zone.

The species is used mainly for human consumption, especially in the form of frozen whole fish exported to Africa, headed and gutted products praised in Eastern European markets, and frozen fillets for western European markets. It has substantial industrial importance for Argentina, Uruguay, and Spain, and it is also regarded as the most significant export species in the FAO 41 region. In Europe, and especially in Spain, hake is highly valued and remains one of the most widely consumed white fish species.

The fishery is conducted mainly by medium and large industrial vessels using bottom trawl nets. It involves fleets from Argentina, Uruguay, Spain, and the Falkland Islands, with management coordinated in the Argentine-Uruguayan Common Fishing Zone for the shared stock.

Nutritionally, Argentine hake is considered a lean white fish, with a fat content of less than 3%, which makes it a preferred choice for military, maritime, cruise ship, school, and kindergarten menus.