Buy Namibia Hake Directly From Exporters & Suppliers - Best of 2024 Market Prices

Although the horse mackerel is higher in terms of volume, Namibia hake contributes to 70% employment in the whole fishing industry because of its value. Namibia’s government has invested in aquaculture to help reduce poverty and provide jobs.

Fish export in Namibia was the fifth leading in the total exports and the leading in the agricultural sector. In 2018, it was valued at 731 Million USD and was 10% of the total exports, which was an increase from the 2016/2017 financial year. 

The hake is a medium to large fish that is mostly found in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It ranges from 0.5kg-4kg. Some species of hake can grow up to 3ft and weigh up to 27kgs. The hake can live up to 14 years.

There are about 12 species of hake, however, Namibia is home to two varieties of these. Which are; 

• Deep-water hake (Merluccius paradoxus) 
• Shallow-water hake (Merluccius capensis)

Namibia is the only country that has followed its TAC (Total Allowed Catch) regulation for hake, and this has seen Namibia’s hake numbers increase.

Namibia coastline stretches for 1570km, from the Kunene River to the Orange River with the fishing being conducted in Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Lüderitz. Namibia’s fishing grounds lie in the Benguela current system, which is one of the four Eastern boundary systems. Her location has provided an ideal climate for fish breeding. The current brings nutrients rich waters which in turn stimulate the growth of microscopic organisms that support Namibia’s abundant fish population.

Hake fishing in Namibia is completely closed for two months, September and October, to allow the fish to recover. However, this time frame can be extended depending on the numbers. Namibia hake is available throughout the rest of the year after the waters are open.

The fishing method used is trawling, where trawl nets are dragged along the seabed in depths ranging anywhere from 100metres to 800 metres. The hake is then sorted and transported at ship or taken to Lüderitz or Walvis Bay for value addition and processing.

Hake is sold as fresh fish where the guts are removed then it is ice preserved for airlifting. They can also be packed in 400g-600g and subsequently sold directly to end consumers through retail outlets. They are also processed to frozen catering packs that weigh 5-10kgs, they are either fish fillets, minced fish, sausages, loins, headed and gutted fish.

The hake fish has become popular in the EU for culinary purposes, with Namibia being among the leading fish exporter globally, and still able to control fishing activities, makes it a leading option to get hake.

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