Hake (merluza) production and the economic revenue it has brought to the area has provided a much-needed breath of fresh air to the local fishing industry, remarks Municipal Coordinator of Fishing Affairs Leobardo García Morales. Indeed, in recent years hake has joined shrimp as one of Puerto Peñasco’s main fishing staples.
García Morales indicated, through March of this year the fishing industry had already reported over 6000 tons in hake yields. In 2022, the cycle wrapped up with 8600 tons, valued at 88 million pesos (about 5 million USD).
The Municipal Coordinator of Fishing Affairs detailed since hake was included on the National Fishing Chart in 2018, providing the first permits specifically for its commercial capture, it has become a valuable resource in combatting reduced production and economic revenue from shrimp.
García Morales noted, following the end of the shrimp season a good part of the local fishing fleet looked to sustain production by changing to hake. He added, the goal is to achieve sustainable fishing for this important resource in order to ensure it remains viable in coming years.