- Certifier :
- MRAG Americas, Inc.
- Certified status :
- Certified
- Certified since :
- 19 Nov 2010
- Certificate expires :
- 20 May 2025
Overview
Fisheries are composed of one or more parts, each of which is entitled to receive an MSC certificate. These parts or “units” are defined by their target stock(s), fishing gear type(s) and if relevant vessel type(s), and the fishing fleets or groups of vessels.
When the term “Unit of Certification” is used for fishing units that are in assessment, it refers to the “Unit of Assessment” or “Unit of potential certification”. Expand a status below to view the parts that form this fishery. To check the detailed scope, download the latest certificate or open the Assessments page to get the latest report. Find out more by visiting our page on Fisheries
Catch by Species
| Species | Reported Catch Year | Metric Tonnes |
|---|---|---|
| North Pacific hake (Merluccius productus) | 2023 | 287,018 |
Information is provided by an independent Conformity Assessment Body as live weight (the weight of species at the time of catch, before processing) and where a fishing season covers multiple years, the end year is given as the reported catch year. Additional information is available in the latest report, see the assessments page.
About this Fishery
The Pacific hake mid-water trawl fishery operates off the west coast of the United States and Canada. The fishery became MSC certified as sustainable in 2009. It was recertified in November 2014.
Pacific hake (Merluccius productus) is also known commercially as Pacific whiting. The species is migratory and inhabits waters from Baja California, Mexico up to Southeast Alaska.
The management of the fishery is shared via an international agreement between the governments of Canada and the United States. A joint management committee recommends the annual Total Allowable Catch (TAC), while the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in the U.S. and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) in Canada are responsible for domestic management of their country’s fisheries.
Pacific hake/whiting (Merluccius productus) image © Scandinavian Fishing Year Book
Market Information
The primary commercial markets for Pacific hake are Europe, Asia and North America. It is used in producing a variety of products including surimi and frozen fillet, dressed and whole fish block markets.