Small pelagic fish in the NW Mediterranean Sea: An ecological review

In the NW Mediterranean Sea, anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and sardine (Sardina pilchardus) are the most important small pelagic fish in terms of biomass and catch. Round sardinella (Sardinella aurita) and sprat (Sprattus sprattus) are also present in this region. A review of the information available on their biology and ecology has been done (Palomera et al., 2007) to point out the gaps in current knowledge necessary to understand the dynamics of small pelagic fish in the region and to progress towards a precautionary and adaptive management. The commercial exploitation of small pelagics in the NW Mediterranean has been significant since the early 1940s. Although sardine makes up the largest share, anchovy reaches a higher price in the market and is thus more important and subject to heavier fishing pressur