Silver Hake is a fast-growing cod-like-fish found from
Newfoundland to South Carolina. Two populations occur in U.S.
waters, with the northern population having medium abundance
while the southern population has low abundance. The US
populations are managed by the New England Fishery Management
Council under a small mesh multispecies management plan. The
Hake fishery off the Scotian Shelf is managed by Fisheries and
Oceans Canada, and abundance appears to be low. Silver Hake is
primarily caught in bottom trawls, which cause substantial
damage to the seafloor. Bycatch is low due to the use of
selective gear and area restrictions. This fish may have high
levels of mercury that could pose a health risk to adults and
children. More mercury info here.