CHARACTERIZATION OF THE REPRODUCTION OF EUROPEAN HAKE (MERLUCCIUS MERLUCCIUS, LINNAEUS, 1758) IN ORAN BAY

Abstract

We have studied the European hake (Merluccius merluccius, Linnaeus, 1758) in Oran bay, obtained from fishermen coming to sell their catch at the local markets, in order to characterize the reproduction of this fish and to estimate the impact of local fishing on its population. Males are predominant in catches throughout most of the year, and, on average, males are smaller than females. Merluccius merluccius spawns in a partial manner, with asynchronous oocyte maturation, and breeds throughout the year. Determination of length at first sexual maturity (smaller for males) demonstrates earlier puberty in males compared to females. An essential item of information for achieving sustainable fishing is the demonstration that a large part (46%) of caught European hakes has a length below the length at first sexual maturity: they are juveniles. These juveniles are killed before being able to breed, which represents a danger for future fish stocks.