Top European Hake Fishing Countries

The European hake (Merluccius merluccius) is a demersal fish species found primarily in the Northeast Atlantic, including the waters off Western Europe and the Mediterranean Sea. Renowned for its delicate white flesh, hake is a highly valued target for commercial fisheries. The top European hake fishing countries are Spain and France, which together account for the majority of hake landings in Europe, followed by Portugal and Italy. Spain, in particular, has a long tradition of hake fishing and remains the largest harvester, with its fleets operating both in domestic waters and the high seas. France also maintains significant hake fisheries, especially in the Bay of Biscay. The fishing industry for European hake is economically important, supporting coastal communities and export markets, though it is closely regulated to prevent overfishing and ensure sustainability of stocks.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.