The global contribution of forage fish to marine fisheries and ecosystems

Summary

This influential review synthesizes the global picture of forage-fish populations — small pelagic species including sardines, anchovies, herring, menhaden, and capelin — that occupy a central position in marine food webs as the primary trophic link between zooplankton primary production and predator species (larger fish, marine mammals, seabirds). The authors estimate global forage-fish landings at roughly 30 million tonnes per year, with about 90% of that catch directed to non-direct-human-consumption uses, primarily fishmeal and fish oil for aquaculture. The review documents the ecosystem services provided by forage fish, the population dynamics that make them sensitive to over-exploitation, and the co-management requirements (precautionary catch limits, prey-reserve setting) needed to balance fishery yield with ecosystem integrity. The paper is widely cited in conservation policy and is foundational reading for anyone evaluating sardine sustainability in the context of broader marine ecosystem management.