The biology and stock assessment of Merluccius merluccius (L.) in the Adriatic Sea: an historical review by geographical sub-areas

Abstract

        The hake (Merluccius merluccius) is one of the most heavily exploited as well as one of the main commercial species of the demersal fishery carried out by the Adriatic Sea coastal countries. This paper aims to review critically the existing information on the population dynamics and stock assessment of this resource. It is highlighted that, despite the fact that most of the research would indicate very high levels of fishery exploitation of the species for a long time, apparently fishery production has not experienced major crisis for a long period. Some of the possible reasons behind this contradiction, which should be taken into account for future research, are discussed