History of hydroacoustic surveys of small pelagic fish species in the European Mediterranean Sea

The study of small pelagic fish by hydroacoustic methods in the Mediterranean Sea began Adriatic 1950’s. Since 2009, internationally coordinated, extensive, regular surveys have been conducted framework MEDIAS - International Acoustic Surveys – action, under EU Data Collection Framework, to provide inputs for management pelagics, particularly European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and sardine (Sardina pilchardus). cover waters monitor distribution abundance species using a common protocol. surveys, historically each Country separately, since standardized harmonized. This is review evolution from beginning up present discusses future prospects. It reports historical time series anchovy, other pelagics different areas describes spatial temporal decadal maps major their Sea. Furthermore, it use data stock assessment purposes, collection auxiliary information an ecosystem-based approach, need further standardization challenges.