European hake

The European hake is native to Cypriot waters but is overfished by trawl fisheries with low abundances and is marketed from abroad. It can exceed 1 meter in length and 10 kilograms in weight; however, fish caught in our waters usually do not exceed 2 kilograms in weight. It spawns year-round, but more intensely during the winter and spring months, and is fished with bottom longlines, bottom trawls and more rarely with static nets. 

The species is classified as Vulnerable in the Mediterranean assessment of the IUCN Red List. It has an index of F/FMSY > 1 and B/BMSY < 1 which means its fishing mortality exceeds maximum sustainable yield and its biomass is below that needed for maximum sustainable yield. EU regulations set a minimum catch length of 20cm. Taking all the above into consideration it is recommended to consume with caution.

It is found primarily on muddy substrates at depths ranging from 50 to 1,000 meters, and feeds mainly on fish and squid, which it hunts by swimming up into the midwater.

Bottom trawling is one of the most harmful ways to fish in our seas, as it drags heavy gear across the seabed, damaging all kinds of habitats, killing benthic life and leading to high catches of non-targeted species. In the southern part of Cyprus there is a restriction for trawling during the 16th of February and the 31st of May, and in the northern part bottom trawling is altogether banned. 

Make sure your fish hasn’t been spearfished. It is recommended to ask your fisher or fishmonger where the fish was caught and with which fishing method, as well as buying this species outside of its spawning period. Prefer locally harvested seafood products by coastal small-scale fisheries and make sure your fish adheres to EU minimum size regulations.