European anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus - an ecologically and economically important species in the Adriatic Sea: a review

Kraus, Romina; Tičina, Vjekoslav (2025) European anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus - an ecologically and economically important species in the Adriatic Sea: a review. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 329 . ISSN 02727714

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Abstract

The anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus, L.) is one of the key species in the Adriatic ecosystem, but it is also a healthy source of protein and essential fatty acids for the human diet. The demand for this fishery resource is therefore high, especially in the Adriatic. Despite the management measures taken in the past, anchovy in the Adriatic is now overfished and overexploited. The aim of this review was to summarise knowledge on different aspects and information from the published literature on anchovy in the Adriatic Sea in order to provide a reliable basis for future research efforts aimed at sustainable ecosystem-based management of anchovy fisheries in the Adriatic Sea. To achieve this, we have prepared six sections: Adriatic Sea - Distribution area, Biology and Ecology, Stock Identity, Estimations of Anchovy Stock in the Adriatic Sea, Consumption (Anchovy as Seafood) and Management and Future Projections. The fluctuating anchovy catches in recent decades clearly demonstrate the need for sustainable exploitation of this resource, which should be considered as an integral part of the marine ecosystem in the Adriatic. Therefore, a more holistic approach to management and research should be pursued in the future, orientated towards the needs of the ecosystem and taking into account the different ecosystem services/users as well as the interactions between the different species. An important factor for possible future changes in anchovy populations in marine ecosystems is the ongoing climate change, which should be taken into account in future studies on anchovies.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	European anchovy; Engraulis encrasicolus; Adriatic Sea; small pelagic fish; fisheries; stock assessment
Subjects:	NATURAL SCIENCES > Interdisciplinary Natural Sciences
Divisions:	Center for Marine Research
Depositing User:	Romina Kraus
Date Deposited:	15 Jan 2026 10:10
URI:	http://fulir.irb.hr/id/eprint/10854
DOI:	10.1016/j.ecss.2025.109665

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