MERLUZA de Cola (Macruronus magellanicus) - also called huaica or hoki - has a geographic distribution in Chile from Constitucion (35 deg. 20 sec. SL) to the country's southern limit.
This fish is caught mainly in Chile's VIII and XII regions by trawls, lines and nets, its main fishing season running from October to February.
Big quantities were taken in the 1980s, the peak year being 1989 when 227,393 tons was discharged.
According to the Chilean Sea Export Guide, fresh chilled, frozen and surimi products, as well as fish meal, are produced from Merluza de Cola
Main export markets for this fish include Spain, the USA and Japan.
