Population genetic structure of European hake, Merluccius merluccius

In allozyme analysis of tissue samples of 910 European hake, Merluccius merluccius, polymorphism was found at 21 of 34 protein-coding loci. The samples were from six North Atlantic and four Mediterranean locations. A major subdivision was seen from allelic differences related to the two collections. Gene flow from nearby Atlantic to proximal Mediterranean populations was suggested by allele frequencies and relevant oceanographic and geological information. Present management, based on two distinct populations, is justified. The differing and separate northern and southern stocks suggested by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) do not constitute an adequate description.