There are four different Argentine hake (Merluccius hubbsi) stocks in the South Atlantic Ocean, spanning from southern Brazil to southern Argentina (Bezzi et al., 1997; Hill et al., 2002; Vaz-dos-Santos et al., 2009): 1) from 21°S to 29°S, in Southeastern Brazil, 2) from 29°S to 41°S, shared by Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina, 3) from 41°S to 54°S in Southern Argentina (Patagonian stock), and 4) Falkland Islands/ Malvinas stock.

A North of 41º S or Bonaerense assessment unit exists, within the Argentine hake stock shared by Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina, which extends from 34ºS to 41ºS, including the Argentina-Uruguay Common Fishing Zone (ZCP). The ZCP is managed jointly by those two countries, and Brazilian fleets also operate in this area (Irusta, 2014).