Trophic importance of small pelagic fish to marine predators of the Mediterranean Sea

Small pelagic fish (SPF) species such as European sardine Sardina pilchardus , anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus round sardinella Sardinella aurita and sprat Sprattus sprattus play important ecological roles in the Mediterranean Sea marine ecosystem. However, changes SPF abundance biomass have recently been observed basin. Therefore, uncovering trophic importance of to their predators is key unravelling potential causes consequences population related predator dynamics. Here, we reviewed 101 published studies reporting presence named above diet inhabiting Sea. We found that number preying on was highest for teleost species, followed by elasmobranchs, seabirds, mammals, cephalopods sea turtles. These were both commercial non-commercial taxa, vulnerability ranged from medium very high. From a conservation point view, most considered Least Concern IUCN, with few exceptions Balearic shearwater Puffinus mauretanicus Critically Endangered species. Geographic information showed more western basin, while consumption higher eastern side. Round consumed high amounts Tyrrhenian Sea, anecdotally consumed. The may indicate bottom-up control ecosystem; however, limited temporal precluded evaluation changes, highlighting need develop new this area.