European hake
Hake are long, slender fish with a silver-grey body, large eyes, and a pointed head with a wide mouth. They resemble cod but are slimmer and softer in texture. Their white flesh is flaky, moist, and delicate, with a mild, slightly sweet flavour that suits a wide range of cooking styles.
Hake are found in the northeast Atlantic, especially off the coasts of Spain, France, and the UK. In Cornwall, they are landed by local trawlers fishing in the western English Channel and Celtic Sea. They prefer deeper waters and are often caught close to the seabed.
Sustainability Rating
Status: Hake stocks in the northeast Atlantic are currently in a healthy state and are fished sustainably under strict management.
Best Choice: Hake caught by Cornish vessels using demersal trawl nets with selectivity measures in place. These fisheries are certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
Avoid: Hake caught outside certified fisheries or in areas without strong stock management and gear regulations.
Culinary Uses
A chef favourite, hake is ideal for grilling, baking, or pan-frying.
Its soft texture and mild flavour pair well with Mediterranean ingredients like tomatoes, olives, and garlic.
Also works beautifully in fish stews, curries, or simply served with butter and herbs.
A sustainable alternative to cod or haddock.
Best Fishing Practices
Cornish hake is caught by demersal trawl, often using gear fitted with bycatch reduction devices and larger mesh sizes.
The fishery is MSC-certified and follows strict quotas and landing controls.
Monitoring and scientific assessments ensure continued stock health.
Seasonality
Available year-round, with peak landings typically in spring and autumn.
Supporting Local, Sustainable Seafood
Cornish hake is a sustainability success story. Thanks to responsible management and certification, it’s now one of the best choices for whitefish lovers. Choosing MSC-certified hake supports local fishing communities and helps protect healthy fish stocks for the future.
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