Top South Pacific Hake Fishing Countries

The South Pacific hake (Merluccius gayi) is a demersal fish species found primarily along the Pacific coasts of South America, especially off Chile and Peru. Known for its mild flavor and flaky texture, South Pacific hake is a key target for both artisanal and industrial fisheries. Chile is by far the leading harvester of this species, with a well-developed fishing industry that supplies both domestic markets and exports, particularly to Europe. Peru also plays a significant role, though its catch volumes are generally lower than Chile’s. Both countries manage their hake fisheries under strict regulations to address concerns about overfishing and stock sustainability, with periodic closures and quotas to help maintain healthy populations. The South Pacific hake fishery is economically important, providing jobs and export revenue, but it also faces ongoing challenges related to illegal fishing and environmental variability.

RankCountryMetric Tons
1Peru37,028
2Chile32,475
3Ecuador9,354

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