Hake (Merluccius merluccius) in subareas 4, 6, and 7, and in divisions 3.a, 8.a–b, and 8.d, Northern stock (Greater North Sea, Celtic Seas, and the northern Bay of Biscay)

Based on the most recent estimates of SSB (in 2009) and fishing mortality (in 2008) ICES classifies the stock as being at full reproductive capacity and being harvested sustainably. SSB is estimated to be just above Bpa in 2009, and F has been around Fpa since 2001. Recruitment has been relatively stable over the last decade.