Consumption of this species is considered unsustainable, as there has been a recent decline in landings and it is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN. Studies have shown that stocks are in a state of overfishing. Estimated 10 to 40% decline in landings over a recent 10-year period (1996–2005). Due to ineffective legislation that does not take into account the species biology, the legal size of this fish is substantially lower than the sustainable size. This makes it particularly important to respect the sustainable size shown.

While Merluccius merluccius does accumulate toxins like mercury, these levels are lower than the levels recommended the Europeans Union’s mercury threshhold. The fish may also pose potential health risks via its Anisakis spp. parasites, however these risks can be negated by cooking.

Elongated body with a large head and mouth. Inside of mouth and branchial cavity black. Second dorsal and anal fins notched. First vertebra and neural spine attached to skull. Its coloring is blue-grey on the back, silvery on the sides, and whitish on the underside. It has a straight lateral line and a large mouth with two rows of teeth in the lower jaw and one in the upper jaw. Looks like: Merluccius capensis (shallow-water Cape hake); Merluccius paradoxus (deep-water Cape hake),; and Merluccius gayi (South Pacific hake): All four species are known for their long, lean bodies, which are typical of hake.

European hake undergo vertical migration each night, moving to shallow waters to feed!