Title: European hake ( <i>Merluccius merluccius</i> ) in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean
Abstract: The European hake (Merluccius merluccius) is widely distributed over the shelf of the Northeast Atlantic Ocean. This shelf is characterised by the dominance of mesoscale structures that strongly influence the survival of M. merluccius. Spatial as well as depth preferences vary during the life history of M. merluccius, showing an ontogenetic distribution pattern. M. merluccius is considered a high mean trophic-level predator competing for food with other demersal and/or pelagic species. The ingestion rate of hake supports a high growth rate, as demonstrated by the fact that growth rate is underestimated by twofold. M. merluccius is considered an ambush predator, and it appears to exhibit feeding plasticity between areas and seasons. M. merluccius has diel vertical movements, and horizontal migrations have been found to be mainly linked to reproduction; it displays an income breeder strategy, and spawning activity is observed throughout the year. Temperature, transport and copepod abundance may play important roles in recruitment success. Two stocks are officially identified, although there is no evidence of genetic differences between them. However, some evidence of connectivity is confirmed. The average landings from 1972 to the end of 2012 of about 70.3 thousand tonnes are mainly due to fishing by trawlers and longliners. Catches are managed with total allowable catch effort regulations and technical measures on the basis of the maximum sustainable yield approach and the recovery plans framework. M. merluccius market is segmented into fresh fish, frozen fish and frozen fillet transformation levels. Nowadays, the fresh segment is supplied mainly by European production, while the other segments are supplied by non-European imports.